One of the slew of injury problems facing the 49ers in Week 3 wasn’t one they anticipated having entering the week.
Tight end George Kittle got through Week 2 without issue, and was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice leading up to a Week 3 showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.
Then he started experiencing hamstring soreness after Wednesday’s session, leading him to miss Thursday and Friday before receiving a ‘doubtful’ designation for Sunday’s contest.
While losing an All-Pro TE isn’t optimal, head coach Kyle Shanahan in a press conference Friday expressed confidence in Kittle’s backup, Eric Saubert.
“I thought he’s done a hell of a job,” Shanahan said. “He’s stepped in well. Kittle was cramping most of the game, so he had to do a lot throughout the Minnesota game. He’s been real consistent since he’s been here. If he’s got to do it all, he’s up for the challenge. He’s shown he can help us in the passing and the run game.”
Saubert played 26 snaps in Minnesota – seven more than he played in the season opener against the New York Jets. That was also the most snaps he’s played in a game since Week 15 of the 2022 season when he was with the Denver Broncos.
Pro Football Focus gave Saubert a 73.2 overall grade for his game in Minnesota, which included two receptions for 26 yards. That was his most productive statistical game since Week 17 of the 2022 campaign.
Ideally the 49ers won’t need to navigate life without Kittle for long. This is a good opportunity for Saubert to step in and potentially carve out a larger role once Kittle is back. If he can produce as a run blocker and prove to be a viable pass-catching threat, we may see San Francisco utilize him more with Kittle once the All-Pro TE returns.
