George Kittle reintroduced to 49ers’ offense in loss to Rams. Here’s why it’s a big deal

It’s not like tight end George Kittle has been missing in action since returning a little more than a month ago from a torn hamstring.

He’s been as relentlessly positive as ever, cracking up teammates while at the same time inspiring them to do greater things. It’s no accident the 49ers’ two best rushing games against Atlanta and the New York Giants came with Kittle delivering key blocks and setting a physical tone.

Yet Kittle and quarterback Mac Jones hadn’t made the game-day passing connection in the same way it happened with Brock Purdy. That changed in a big way Sunday in a 42-26 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.

When Purdy comes back, he knows where his bread is buttered. It starts with Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. Jones knows all about getting McCaffrey the