The San Francisco 49ers will face a banged up Los Angeles Rams squad with a growing list of injuries of their own, especially on the offensive side of the ball. With running back Christian McCaffrey placed on the Injured Reserve list in Week 2, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. sidelined with a calf injury at the start of the week and now, tight end George Kittle doubtful for Sunday, the 49ers are likely beginning divisional play without three of their top offensive weapons. Kittle sat out of both Thursday and Friday's practice due to a hamstring issue that head coach Kyle Shanahan described as soreness carrying over between the days. If Kittle doesn't suit up in Los Angeles, it's going to free agent addition Eric Saubert taking over his responsibilities.
"He (Saubert) has done a hell of a job. Kittle was cramping most of the game, so he had to do a lot during the Minnesota (Vikings) game," Shanahan said. "He's been very consistent since he's been here. If he has to do it all, he's up for the challenge. He's shown he can help us in the pass and run game."
On a positive note, safety Talanoa Hufanga is expected to complete his comeback from an ACL injury in Week 3. The fourth year pro wrapped up his first week of practice at full-go and avoided any injury designation headed into the weekend. Shanahan didn't specify if Hufanga will start or be under a snap count but the team will "play it out as it goes."
Below is the complete Week 3 Game Status Report for Friday:
- Did Not Participate: TE George Kittle (hamstring), WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf)
- Limited Participation: DL Nick Bosa (rib), CB Charvarius Ward (hamstring/knee)
- Full Participation: S Talanoa Hufanga (knee), LB Dee Winters (ankle)
Status Report:
- WR Deebo Samuel Sr. - Out
- TE George Kittle - Doubtful
- CB Charvarius Ward - Questionable
- DL Nick Bosa - Questionable
