Aug 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) watches from the sideline in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Coming off their second loss of the 2025 NFL season, the injury-riddled San Francisco 49ers need all the help they can get. It appears they're going to get just that as they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.

After missing the last five weeks with a hamstring injury, perennial Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle is finally returning to San Francisco's lineup. He was activated off injured reserve, and it does not appear he'll be on any sort of pitch count. He will be full go and full tilt. Kittle's return comes at a time when the 49ers are already trying to survive season-ending injuries to superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. That unfortunate injury dynamic, which, needless to say, probably makes a bona fide franchise player like Kittle even more welcome than usual.

The 49ers need all the help they can get:

Kittle had just four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown in his only appearance this season. We'll see whether he can build more of a rhythm and rapport within the context of the 49ers' offense in his return.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is George Kittle playing on Sunday night?

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

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