Who is George Kittle's backup? 49ers depth chart explored after Week 3 injury update

The hits keep coming for the San Francisco 49ers this season. With Christian McCaffrey on Injured Reserve and Deebo Samuel also out for Week 3, the Niners will be considerably short-handed to face the Los Angeles Rams. And if that wasn't enough to raise some concern, tight end George Kittle also popped up on the injury report on Thursday.

The Niners have officially listed Kittle as 'doubtful' to face the Rams on Sunday, but at this point, it looks unlikely he will suit up owing to a hamstring injury. If Kittle misses the game, backup tight end Eric Saubert will be called into action with Jake Tonges serving as his backup.

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Who is George Kittle's backup on the 49ers depth chart?

Eric Saubert, the current TE2 on the Niners depth chart, was drafted 174th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. In seven years in the league, Saubert has signed for the Bears, Jaguars, Broncos, Cowboys the Texans before eventually landing with San Fran in 2024.

All in all, Saubert has featured in 84 games (16 starts) and has 36 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns.

In any case, if Kittle misses the Rams showdown, the Niners will have to rely on Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk and Week 1 breakout star Jordan Mason to get the offense going.

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San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams injury report

It's a tough time to be a Niners fan, or even a Rams fan, for that matter. The Rams were dealt a few blows of their own with Puka Nacua officially placed on Injured Reserve. Fellow playmaker Cooper Kupp will also not suit up this week to face the Niners owing to an ankle injury.

On the Niners' side of things, Deebo Samuel is out while Nick Bosa (rib) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (hamstring, knee) are both questionable for Sunday.

49ers vs Rams kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 pm Eastern from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.