49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday he expected tight end George Kittle to be available Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, but that reportedly doesn't mean Kittle will play the whole game.
There is "some concern" about Kittle's ability to finish Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday night, citing a source.
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Kittle set the NFL's single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end in 2018 (1,377), and has 23 receptions for 235 yards and a touchdown this season. The 26-year-old has been particularly good against the Rams in his career, and he has caught more passes (19) for more yards (355) and more touchdowns (two) than any other opponent.
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While the tight end still is expected to play, Kittle's potentially limited role speaks to the diminished star power of the matchup between NFC West rivals. The 49ers, who are 4-0 for the first time in three decades, will be without starting left tackle Joe Staley, starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey and starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.
The Rams, meanwhile, won't have All-Pro running back Todd Gurley, starting cornerback Aqib Talib and starting linebacker Clay Matthews.
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Given those aforementioned absences, both the 49ers and Rams have their work cut out for them in Sunday's measuring-stick game.