The 49ers couldn’t have hoped for better news ahead of their week 5 clash against the Cardinals in the Bay Area. Going into the match-up, they had a number of key players out that could have made things difficult for them. However, they might not have to worry anymore as TE George Kittle and LB Fred Warner are listed as active today.
Both players found themselves injured against the home win over the Patriots last week. Kittle suffered a rib injury while a sprained ankle struck Warner while the 49ers ran away with a 30-13 victory at Levi’s Stadium. Coming into the clash, both players were listed as questionable. But fortunately, they aren’t anymore, as both are slated to suit up to take on the Cardinals on Sunday.
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#AZCardinals TE Trey McBride (ribs) is officially active today, as are LB Fred Warner and TE George Kittle.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2024
However, the 49ers aren’t the only team on the day to receive some good news in their injury room. As Cardinals TE Trey McBride, similar to Kittle, suffered a rib injury against the Commanders last week. Well, it even got him a concussion as McBride managed to clear the protocol, thereby making himself available for a nail-biter in Santa Clara.
His presence for the Cardinals is a huge boost, considering the season he is having. Over the four games he has played this season, McBride has caught 14 catches on 21 targets while adding 122 yards to his tally. Even last season, he had a great game against the 49ers in week 15 where he finished with 10 receptions for 102 yards.
Well, McBride’s presence may help the Cardinals pose a strong challenge to the 49ers. However, Kittle and Warner aren’t the only ones returning to full fitness, as defensive lineman Kalia Davis could play for the first time since getting his knee injured in preseason. Among the inactive lists are QB Joshua Dobbs, OL Ben Bartch, WR Jacob Cowing, WR Chris Conley, LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and CB Darrell Luter Jr.
What’s your perspective on:
Will George Kittle's return be the game-changer the 49ers need against the Cardinals today?
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Although the 49ers are missing quite a few players for this clash, the major boost could come in the form of George Kittle and Fred Warner.
George Kittle and Fred Warner ready to lead the 49ers in Bay Area
Kittle has been excellent this season, having racked up 17 targets and 15 receptions for 161 receiving yards over 3 games this season. He even caught more than 4 catches in each of those appearances, showing his importance to the offense. Well, he has found himself targeted quite often, with eight targets in week 2 being the highest for him this year.
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And that’s not where it ends, as the 49ers TE has found the end zone two times over the 3 appearances he had in the regular season. Even his teammate Warner has been sensational with 27 tackles, four passes defended, two interceptions and three fumbles, making him one of the league’s best defenders. Going back to last week, his 45-yard pick 6 was the cherry on top, considering the way he had been performing this season.
Well, both of them being present in red and white this Sunday would be a huge factor for the 49ers. As they look to win their third game of the season while putting more misery on the Cardinals’ campaign. Can they extend their winning run, or will the Cardinals produce a shock in the Bay Area? Guess we will find out in a few hours.
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Will George Kittle's return be the game-changer the 49ers need against the Cardinals today?