The 49ers will open the 2023 NFL season with The People's Tight End after all.
George Kittle, who is listed as questionable for San Francisco's Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is expected to play Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, citing sources.
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Kittle has been dealing with a groin issue throughout training camp, but he appeared confident this week that he would be available to play in the season opener. He participated in limited practice every day this week.
“He’s a great pass-game tight end and he’s a great run-blocking tight end, so obviously any time you’re missing a great player, it does change things,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said.
The only other 49ers player listed as questionable for the contest is cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is having trouble with his heel. But San Francisco remained confident that Ward would be on the field with them in Pittsburgh.
There's no question the impact that Kittle has on the game, and the 49ers Faithful certainly hope Kittle is one of the many options quarterback Brock Purdy has on Sunday.
