The Green Bay Packers are preparing for a tough matchup on Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers. As they prepare to face the No. 2 offense in the NFL, the Packers face the hard task of slowing down the 49ers’ group of weapons. One of their toughest challenges will be limiting tight ends George Kittle, whom head coach Matt LaFleur considers one of the best ever.
“He’s one of the best at the position,” LaFleur said Thursday. “I think he embodies the way they want to play, the style of play. He is relentless. He will fight for every inch and every blade of grass on the pitch. I have a lot of respect for him because I played against him so many times and watched him every week in this league.
“I think he is an all-time phenomenon.”
Kittle, a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, is having another productive season in Year 8. His seven touchdowns rank third in the NFL and first among tight ends, and his 560 receiving yards rank second in 2024 r.
Widely considered one of the best all-around offensive players in the league, Kittle has had a lot of success against Green Bay over the years. In six games against the Packers (including the playoffs), Kittle totaled 414 yards on 26 receptions and two touchdowns. Also known for his blocking, he also played a key role in the game played in San Francisco, which was also quite successful against Green Bay.
The only thing that has slowed Kittle since he and Kyle Shanahan joined the 49ers in 2017 is injuries. Unfortunately for Kittle, he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, despite missing Wednesday’s training, he has no intention of sitting out Sunday.
“I will play on Sunday,” Kittle said via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “Very excited. I can’t miss the Packers game, so no, I’ll definitely be there.
Promising to suit up in Week 12, Kittle will face a Green Bay defense that has given up five receptions and 55 yards per game on tight ends this season, according to CBS Sports. He certainly has LaFleur’s respect, but the defense will have to deal with Kittle’s elite skill set while also working to limit the rest of the 49ers’ threatening arsenal.
