Who Is George Kittle's Backup? (49ers’ Tight End Options After Kittle’s Groin Injury)

The San Francisco 49ers could be facing a major challenge in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, as they may be down one of their top weapons on offense. 

Tight end George Kittle suffered a groin injury in practice on Monday, and his status for Week 1 is currently up in the air. 

The 49ers have moved from 7-point favorites to just 6.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook following the news. 

It’s less than ideal for the 49ers with second-year quarterback Trey Lance getting the start, especially since Kittle is such a solid blocker in the run game. Obviously the 49ers will miss him in the passing game as well, but receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are still two solid options for Lance. 

So, if Kittle misses Week 1, who is going to fill in for the 49ers? Here are three options to replace Kittle on offense:

Who is George Kittle’s Backup? (49ers Depth Chart)

Right now, the 49ers list veteran tight end Tyler Kroft as Kittle’s direct backup on their depth chart. 

Kroft has played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills and spent the 2021 season with the New York Jets. In 2021, he appeared in nine games, making 16 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown. 

If Kittle is out in Week 1, Kroft is by far the most proven receiving tight end for the 49ers, as the other options on the depth chart have a combined 48 career catches, Kroft has 101 receptions in his seven-year career.

Charlie Woerner, a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is listed as the No. 3 tight end for San Francisco, but he will likely play more of a blocking role. Woerner made just five catches in 17 games last season (three starts). He also could split time with blocking tight end Ross Dwelley (No. 4 on the depth chart), who made four catches for 51 yards and a score across 17 games in 2021 (two starts). 

For prop bet, anytime touchdown scorers and fantasy purposes, bettors may be wise to stay away from the 49ers’ tight end room if Kittle doesn’t suit up. Instead, targeting Samuel or Aiyuk could be more profitable as they will default to the team’s top two options in the passing game.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.