The list of injured players at the San Francisco 49ers’ training camp is expanding rapidly. Players such as running back Isaa Guerendo, tight end George Kittle, and defensive end Mykel Williams are already on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. On Sunday, 21 players either skipped practice or exited early due to injuries.
Below is the full list of affected players:
- Kurtis Rourke, QB (ribs)
- Christian McCaffrey, RB (tightness)
- Jordan James, RB (ribs)
- Kaelon Black, RB (adductor)
- Kyle Juszczyk, FB (finger)
- Christian Kirk, WR (calf)
- Demarcus Robinson, WR
- Vederian Lowe, OT (ankle)
- Brett Toth, OG (concussion)
- Dominick Puni, OG (concussion)
- Nick Bosa, DE (knee)
- Keion White, DE (adductor)
- Titus Leo, DE
- CJ West, DT
- Gracen Halton, DT (ankle)
- Luke Gifford, LB (hamstring)
- Nate Hobbs, CB (groin)
- Malik Mustapha, S (hamstring)
The team anticipates most of these players will return by Week 1 when they face the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. There is also optimism surrounding the return of star tight end George Kittle.
Kittle, who is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered during the playoffs, expressed cautious optimism about his availability for the season opener. “I have a chance [to play],” Kittle shared with reporters. “We’re running around a lot, [hitting] top speeds — hopefully we’re back in pads again practicing sooner rather than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumb [expletive].”
Recognized as one of the NFL’s top tight ends, Kittle’s presence is vital for the 49ers’ offensive strategies. Last season, injuries held him to 11 games where he managed 57 receptions, totaling 628 yards and seven touchdowns. Prior to that, he appeared in 14 or more games for seven out of eight seasons.
Considering his significant role, neither Kittle nor the 49ers are likely to rush his return until he is fully fit.