49ers star TE George Kittle (hamstring) ruled out vs. Rams

Field Level Media|published: Sat 21st September, 21:06 2024

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is tackled against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers standout tight end George Kittle will miss Sunday's game against the host Los Angeles Rams due to his hamstring injury.

Kittle was downgraded from doubtful to out by the club on Saturday.

The loss of Kittle leaves the 49ers without three key offensive players against Los Angeles. Star running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) is on injured reserve and receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) also is sitting out the contest.

Kittle, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, caught 11 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown over the first two games. He has three 1,000-yard campaigns during his seven full seasons with the 49ers.

San Francisco elevated tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad. Eric Saubert is expected to start at tight end with Jake Tonges also in the mix.

The 49ers also elevated defensive end Sam Okuayinonu from the practice squad. That move comes with former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa (rib) listed as questionable for the contest.

--Field Level Media