George Kittle hurting, but could play against the Jets

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle remains questionable to play Sunday.

George Kittle and the entire San Francisco 49ers team had a rough outing in Week 1. The team lost 24-20 to the Arizona Cardinals and Kittle suffered a knee injury that sent him into the locker room early before halftime.

But the tight end returned for the second half and all seemed fine. That is clearly not the case as he will be held out of practice this week.

All eyes on George Kittle

Kittle just got his brand new $75 million contract and is already dealing with this knee injury. Holding him out of practice seems like the proper precaution to take so early in the season. The New York Jets also looked awful in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, so this is a winnable game for the 49ers without Kittle on the field. Yet there is still hope he will play Sunday after getting the week to rest.

Kittle had a quiet outing in Week 1. He finished with four catches for 44 yards and no touchdowns. He was particularly quiet in the second half, but we now know he may have been more of a decoy given his knee.

The 49ers are already without Deebo Samuel again this Sunday and just signed Mohamed Sanu after running back Raheem Mostert led the team in receiving in Week 1. Kittle is obviously the focus on offense, however, the receiving corps will have to step up even if he can go this Sunday.

Kittle is only in his fourth NFL season and the 49ers will want to be careful with him in 2020. The team has what appears to be two very winnable games against the Jets and then the New York Giants in Week 3. The tough part of the schedule follows and that is when Kittle will be needed most.

The 49ers are hoping he can play. Is that the smartest move? It all comes down to how Kittle feels and being honest to the trainers about his own health.