The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers have two things in common this week. They play each other and both are shockingly banged up heading into their first matchup of 2024.
One of the players that popped up on the 49ers injury report this week is George Kittle. When the final report was filed on Friday evening he was listed as doubtful. On Saturday afternoon it was reported that Kittle had been downgraded and was officially ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Rams.
49ers Starting TE Out Vs Rams

Rams head coach Sean McVay recognizes the talent the 49ers will be without and he’s ‘not sad’ that they won’t be on the field.
“(Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey) are great players that are tremendous assets for them,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said via the team transcript. “But they’ve got a lot of other guys that they are doing that with as well, you look at the way their backs have stepped in and done an amazing job of continuing to produce at a really high level in the first two games. With those two guys out, I’m hopeful that they’ll be okay, but I’m not sad that they’re not playing against us.”
And now McVay won’t have to game plan against Kittle.
The 49ers currently have two tight ends on their active roster, eight-year veteran Eric Saubert, and 2022 undrafted free agent Jake Tonges. Tonges has yet to see much playing time in his three seasons. Saubert caught more than 10 passes once in his career and for more than 100 yards in that same season.
The 49ers also elevated tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad Saturday. Another practice squad tight end, rookie Mason Pline, is more of a developmental player at this point.
