It sounds like Trey Lance will be without one of his top targets when he and the 49ers offense take the field on Sunday.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Niners tight end George Kittle is set to sit this one out:
Kittle finished the week missing three days of practice after suffering a groin injury at the start of the week. If Kittle can’t play, that would be a huge break for the Bears. A healthy Kittle is one of football’s best players. Because, when healthy, Kittle is a strong contributor in all facets of the game. Well-rounded tight ends who are superb pass catchers, blockers, and emotional leaders don’t grow on trees. So if Kittle can’t play, it makes the 49ers’ task a bit more difficult.
Even with Kittle’s absence, the Bears remain underdogs. And without Kittle in the lineup, there’s a tad bit more hope for an upset in Week 1.