George Kittle is sidelined by a hamstring strain and placed on IR, with an earliest Week 6 return slated against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Four weeks is the minimum, but soft-tissue injuries can linger and push his timeline further. His absence early in the year shifts targets to Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall, but when Kittle returns, he’s expected to reclaim a major role as SF’s top receiving tight end.

Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports and potential rest for SF’s other pass-catchers. Kittle’s value, though delayed, remains substantial given his efficiency and 15.8 PPR PPG TE1 finish last season. Stashing him now could pay off in a late-season surge once he’s fully healthy and integrated again into a loaded 49ers offense.