49ers Make Major George Kittle Announcement Before Falcons Game

Injuries have played a large part in the San Francisco 49ers‘ 2025 campaign to this point. From the get-go, the Niners have been hit hard by the injury bug, but they haven’t let it derail them, as they have posted a 4-2 record through their first six games. And now, heading into Week 7, it looks like the team is set to get a major boost on offense.

One of the first injuries the 49ers were dealt this season involved star tight end George Kittle, as he was forced out of the team’s season-opener against the Seattle Seahawks with a hamstring injury. After landing on injured reserve, Kittle hasn’t played since then, but he appears set to finally make his return to action for the Niners.

49ers Activate George Kittle from Injured Reserve Ahead of Week 7

Looking across the league, it’s tough to say that another team has dealt with more injuries than the 49ers. On offense, more than half of their starters have been forced to miss time, and on defense, their two best players, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, have suffered season-ending injuries. The fact that this team is even 4-2 at this point is nothing short of a miracle.

In Week 7, San Fran is still going to be without several starters on offense, as quarterback Brock Purdy will miss another game, while wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is also out. Reinforcements have arrived in the form of Kittle, who should immediately take on a big role in the offense once he officially returns to action.

Kittle caught four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown before being forced out of San Francisco’s season-opening win over Seattle, and now, it looks like he’s set to add to those numbers. Ahead of the team’s upcoming contest, Kittle was officially activated from injured reserve, giving him the green light to suit up for the first time since Week 1.

49ers Hoping George Kittle Can Help Them Beat Falcons in Week 7

GettySan Francisco 49ers’ tight end George Kittle takes the field prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card playoff game

With Kittle back, the Niners’ offense figures to be much improved moving forward. Not only should Kittle be a top target in the passing game, but he figures to be able to help open up rushing lanes on the ground for Christian McCaffrey. While San Francisco has largely managed to overcome its injury woes to this point, it’s always been clear that they would need to get guys like Kittle back sooner rather than later.

Kittle’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, as the 49ers may need him to immediately be at his best in Week 7 with a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on deck. The Falcons have a strong defense, which they showed in Week 6 when they handed the Buffalo Bills their secondary straight loss. With kickoff for this game scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football, all eyes will be on Kittle to see how he fares in his return to action for San Fran.

How Trey Hendrickson's trade value can impact Lions' shot at another edge rusher

While the trade market has begun to heat up, the Detroit Lions are finding their name thrown into the ring more and more in relation to some potentially available pass rushers.

One name that has been floated recently by ESPN is Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. The Dolphins are, for lack of better words, floundering. Tua Tagovailoa hasn't looked the same since his numerous head injuries suffered back in 2024, and the teams' defense has been the easiest to run on in the NFL.

Phillips is still promising at only 26 years old. In a new environment, he could thrive, especially if he's second fiddle to Aidan Hutchinson and with far less pressure to do it all at the line of scrimmage.

While that might make his price decrease a bit for the Lions, it sure seems like the fire sale involving another edge rusher - Trey Hendrickson - might jack up the price for any edge rusher available on the trade market this November.

How Hendrickson could impact Lions' trade deadline without being their target

Hendrickson is likely to command at minimum a second round pick, but he could likely go for a first. Micah Parsons was dealt for two first rounders prior to the season beginning, and he's a lot more injury prone at this point in his career than Hendrickson.

If Hendrickson were to be shopped at this price, that means teams that can't match exactly what the Cincinnati Bengals are asking for can begin to jack up their own prices. Miami, who is likely seeking a haul of draft picks at the deadline this year to initiate a total rebuild, would probably ask Detroit for a haul of at least a third rounder for Phillips.

This is a mighty price to pay for Phillips, who could walk in 2026. This is yet another example of who the Lions shouldn't be aiming for given the number of extensions they need to dole out between now and 2026. Phillips, and Hendrickson for that matter, are probably out of the question for the Lions for these reasons.

They're far more likely to go for a less pick costly option on defense to trade for on the market ahead of the deadline, and ideally, someone who would be controlled through 2026. Phillips' rising cost is just not worth adjusting the budget for, if you're general manager Brad Holmes.

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