Beating the San Francisco 49ers is a tough challenge for the Chicago Bears. The team went to the NFC championship last year. They boast one of the best defenses in football and a head coach with a dizzying offensive mind. Still, every team is only as good as the sum of its part. A big reason the 49ers are tough is they’re talented almost everywhere. Easily their most dangerous weapon is tight end George Kittle.
The three-time Pro Bowler is a matchup nightmare thanks to his 6’4 size and underrated speed. He was going to cause problems for the Bears defense wherever he lined up. Or at least that was the plan. Now it appears the 49ers might be without their star on Sunday. According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the odds are growing to where the tight end will likely miss the game due to a groin injury he suffered earlier in the week.
San Francisco 49ers veteran tight end George Kittle’s groin injury is considered serious enough that he’s unlikely to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
One source characterized Kittle’s status as being fluid but emphasized the groin injury is “not good,” adding that it would be optimal for him to rest and rehab for a week or two.
Chicago Bears must take advantage of this good fortune.
Losing Kittle under normal circumstances is tough for the 49ers. However, they’d usually be able to manage it thanks to other weapons like Deebo Samuel or Elijah Mitchell. This time around could be a problem. They don’t have a veteran at quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo anymore. It will be Trey Lance, their prized 1st round pick from last year. He’s only started two games in his career and was inconsistent in both. San Francisco needs everybody on deck to help the young QB in a road game against a stingy defense.
Without Kittle’s presence, the Chicago Bears can focus more of their attention elsewhere. They can shadow Samuel with more safety coverage over the top and also crowd the line of scrimmage to take away the run. The 49ers put up 33 points last season at Soldier Field. It doesn’t seem like that will happen this time around. Not unless the Bears completely wet the bed. If their own offense can put up some points, this game suddenly looks within reach.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Inlike my Bears chances, especially without Jimmy G at QB and without Kittle. BEAR DOWN
The San Francisco 49ers will definately be a challenge for the Bears with or without their tight end Kittle. But I hope the Bears are able to win and demonstrate to the NFL they are on the road to rebuilding a competitive team again.
Despite the Kittle situation, 6 of 6 Suntimes writers picked the 49ers to win. What a bunch of naysayers. Fields is going to impress and so is Getsy. Monty is going to bust loose a few times. Bears will defend and score; Bears by 4.
The 49ers are catching a break because Velus probably won’t play.
He’s always hurt, I’d also be more worried about Debo not only catching the ball but running it as well