How much did George Kittle’s absence impact the 49ers?

Nick Bosa's absence loomed large during the Seattle Seahawks' game-winning drive as the San Francisco 49ers dropped another close contest, falling to 5-5 on the season. Once viewed as Super Bowl contenders, the 49ers are now fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. While not eliminated, their margin for error is razor-thin, and the team has yet to demonstrate the resilience needed to consistently overcome its many self-inflicted mistakes.

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On the offensive side, quarterback Brock Purdy was without his All-Pro tight end, George Kittle. Initially listed as questionable, Kittle became the most notable name on the 49ers' seven-player inactive list. He had been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout the week, and early optimism about his availability faded as game day approached.

"Whenever you're missing good players, it's always a big deal," head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game. "We went a little extra—we played [OL] Jaylon Moore a little bit at tight end today. Something different to help with that. I thought [TE] Eric [Saubert] stepped it up and did good, especially showing up this morning sick and things like that."

Shanahan added, "But yeah, George is a great player, so it always helps when he's out there."

Kittle has been a vital piece of the 49ers' offense, amassing 560 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 43 passes from Purdy, proving to be a reliable target for the third-year quarterback.

Without Kittle, Purdy struggled, throwing for just 159 yards—his lowest single-game total since Week 6 of last season. While he managed a touchdown pass, Purdy also had a critical pass deflected and intercepted by the Seahawks' defense.

Purdy acknowledged the significant impact of Kittle's absence, especially given the optimism earlier in the week about his potential availability.

"When you've got an explosive tight end like George, who can block, run, catch the ball, do everything, a defense has to account for him," Purdy said. "And so, I mean, we love our tight ends here, but George is definitely extraordinary (with) what he brings to the table. Obviously, we'd love to get him healthy and get him back."