George Kittle’s hamstring injury lands the 49ers star on IR, sidelining him for at least four games against New Orleans, Arizona, Jacksonville and the Rams. San Francisco must weather the void by leaning on Luke Farrell, Jake Tonges and Kyle Juszczyk while Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall absorb extra targets. The four-week window comes during the easiest stretch on SF’s schedule, offering a real shot to minimize the blow.

Fantasy managers should watch Juszczyk’s evolving TE role, Tonges’ involvement after Seattle’s outburst, and Pearsall’s ceiling as Purdy’s security option. With McCaffrey and Purdy taking on more responsibility, the offense can still excel, but the middle of the field and red-zone efficiency will feel the absence of Kittle’s all-around impact.