San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle he was expected to play a major role in the team’s rivalry game against him Seattle Seahawkit’s sunday afternoon. Every team in the NFC West is still very much alive, with the 49ers and Cardinals tied for the lead at 5-4. However, the Seahawks and Rams are just one game back at 4-5.

While the vast majority of Brock Purdy’s regular weapons have missed time due to injury – including but not limited to to Christian McCaffreyDeebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk – Kittle has remained a steady presence for the most part. This season, Kittle has 560 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Kyle Shanahan’s teams usually excel after a week off. The 2024 49ers don’t appear to be an exception to this rule, as they survived an early season injury onslaught and are getting healthy at the right time. Samuel and McCaffrey are back in the lineup and are regulars on offense. McCaffrey, who tortured fantasy managers by missing all season until Week 10, is back in his starring role.

However, the 49ers will once again be outplayed by Seattle.

George Kittle will miss the 49ers’ game against the Seahawks on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Kittle hurt his hamstring, and while he tested the injury all week, he was listed as questionable before Sunday. Kittle’s injury isn’t considered long-term, and with McCaffrey and other weapons back in the mix, there’s no need to rush him back, even against a capable Seahawks team.

Without Kittle, here’s what the 49ers’ depth chart looks like at tight end.

Saubert will see most of the action, especially in the passing game.

With Kittle for now, those who need a flyer on the end are in luck. First, any 49ers receiver, including Jauan Jennings, is an ideal starter in this scenario because they will see multiple targets.

For those in need of a last-second addition, Dawson Knox is flying off waivers thanks to an injury to Dalton Kinkaid. The Chiefs are also giving up the second-most points to opposing tight ends, according to ESPN’s fantasy football rankings. That’s…less than ideal for KC, which has one of the best players at the position in the NFL.

Knox is a good bet and available in most leagues if you hurry.