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."

"Kittle caught nine passes for 84 yards and scored on a 13-yard pass from Jones in which he somehow stayed in bounds, extending the ball over the goal line before his knees hit the ground. "In my senior year (at Iowa), I had a similar play on the sideline," Kittle said in the aftermath. "My back foot hit out of bounds as I was entering the end zone, and they called me out of bounds on the 1-inch line."

"But reintroducing Kittle to the offense is a big deal and will go a long way toward determining if there's a postseason in their future. They're third wheels behind the Rams and Seattle in the NFC West at 6-4, but take a look at the 49ers' next four games. They visit Arizona (3-6), blown out Sunday by Seattle, which is tied with the Rams."

George Kittle returned from a torn hamstring more than a month ago and immediately influenced the 49ers through leadership, humor, and physical play. Kittle's blocking helped fuel the team's two best rushing games against Atlanta and the New York Giants, while his involvement in the passing game has increased. Kittle caught nine passes for 84 yards and scored on a 13-yard touchdown where he stayed in bounds. The reconnecting of Kittle with Mac Jones strengthens the offense and factors heavily into postseason hopes as the 49ers sit 6-4 in the NFC West with key upcoming matchups.

Read at The Mercury News