The Green Bay Packers are preparing for a challenging matchup on Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers. As they prepare to face the NFL’s No. 2 offense, the Packers are faced with the difficult task of slowing down the 49ers’ bevy of weapons. One of their toughest challenges will be limiting tight end George Kittle, who head coach Matt LaFleur considers one of the best of all time.
“He’s one of the best at the position,” LaFleur said Thursday. “I think he embodies how they want to play, the style of play. He’s relentless. He’s going to fight for every inch, every blade of grass out on the field. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, having gone against him so many times and watched him every week in this league.
“I think he’s an all-time great.”
Kittle, a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, is having another productive season in Year 8. His seven receiving touchdowns are third-most in the NFL and first among tight ends, while his 560 receiving yards rank second at the position in 2024.
Widely regarded as one of the best all-around tight ends in the league, Kittle has enjoyed plenty of success against Green Bay over the years. In six games against the Packers (including playoffs), Kittle has totaled 414 yards on 26 receptions with two touchdowns. Also known for his blocking, he has also been instrumental in San Francisco’s run game, which has also had its fair share of success against Green Bay.
The only thing that has slowed Kittle down since he and Kyle Shanahan joined the 49ers in 2017 is injuries. Unfortunately for Kittle, he happens to be dealing with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, despite missing Wednesday’s practice, he has no intention of sitting out Sunday.
“I will be playing on Sunday,” Kittle said via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “Very excited. Can’t pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure.”
Promising to suit up in Week 12, Kittle will face a Green Bay defense that is surrendering over five receptions and 55 yards per game to tight ends this season, according to CBS Sports. He certainly has the respect of LaFleur, but the defense will have to contend with Kittle’s elite skillset while working to limit the rest of the 49ers’ dangerous arsenal.
