The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for a challenging stretch, starting with an NFC West clash in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals.
The schedule tightens further with another division encounter on “Thursday Night Football” at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6.
Unfortunately for the Niners, they might face these challenges without two of their star players, at least for one game.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, while maintaining optimism, has expressed uncertainty about the availability of tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner against the Cardinals.
Kittle (ribs) and Warner (ankle) missed practice for a second consecutive day, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.
#49ers Thursday participation:
DNP – LB Fred Warner, TE George Kittle, WR Jacob Cowing, WR Chris Conley, DL Yetur Gross-Matos, LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
Limited – DT Jordan Elliott, S Talanoa Hufanga, DT Kevin Givens, LB Dee Winters, CB Isaac Yiadom
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 3, 2024
Interestingly, Kittle and Wagner were present at practice, wearing pads and helmets, but refrained from joining their position groups for individual drills. Instead, they were seen running alongside the field with other injured players.
This limited involvement suggests their injuries are being closely monitored.
The 49ers’ injury list extends beyond Kittle and Warner, with wide receivers Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley, defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles also sitting out practice.
Though Kittle and Warner are veterans who could play without extensive practice, the question remains: Is it prudent for the 49ers to risk their health in a home game against the struggling Cardinals?
The Niners’ overall depth might allow them to secure a victory without jeopardizing the long-term availability of these crucial players.
Given the early stage of the season and the promising outlook, it may be unlikely that either Kittle or Warner will take the field at less than full health.
