Kittle didn't end last season on a strong note, either. He had just six receptions for 39 yards in the final two regular-season games and was limited to 27 or fewer receiving yards in two of the team's three playoff contests.
In fact, over Kittle's last eight games, he has recorded just 21 receptions for 220 yards and one touchdown.
Is head coach Kyle Shanahan concerned about the lack of passes being thrown Kittle's way?
"The more Kittle is out there and healthy, the more he practices, the more he can get back in the routine, I think that stuff will take care of itself," Shanahan told reporters before Wednesday's practice, as the 49ers prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. "The plays that went to him, I thought he did a good job on in the game. Kittle affects the game in so many ways—the run and the pass.
"We definitely want to get him the ball more, but it's something we're not that concerned about. We think it will take care of itself just as we get going."
Shanahan added that facing Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald without the game's best offensive lineman, Trent Williams, also factored into Kittle's use. Kittle prides himself on his ability to block defenders and influence the 49ers' rushing attack. Although, the tight end's Pro Football Focus grades indicate that he has struggled in those areas since returning from a groin strain.
Kittle's pass-blocking grade of 34.9 and run-blocking grade of 57.7 are career-lows by a significant margin. Although, the sample size is only two games. However, by comparison, Kittle earned a career-high pass-blocking grade of 76.4 and a run-blocking grade of 73.6 last season.
"You just usually get less opportunities [against the Rams], just with our protection game plan and our run game plan, things like that," Shanahan said. "I know it's been the case in some other games too, but usually with the Rams, it's harder."
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