49ers tight end George Kittle scores in 23-17 win over Commanders
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The gist
49ers tight end George Kittle caught five passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in a 23-17 win.
The 6-0 49ers now lean on Kittle with their top receivers injured.
Background
George Kittle is the San Francisco 49ers' tight end, described in the material as a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. His Week 6 touchdown came less than 10 months after a torn Achilles, after which he reclaimed his place among the NFL's elite at his position. With 26 catches and 337 yards, he trails only wide receiver Mike Evans on the team, and his five touchdowns lead the 49ers and are tied for third in the NFL. San Francisco's receiving corps has been without Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall and Deebo Samuel, so Kittle's role has grown.
How it unfolded
- Oct 19, 2026Kittle caught five of eight targets for 69 yards and an 11-yard touchdown as the 49ers beat the Commanders 23-17 on Monday night. The score capped a 64-yard opening drive, the team's third opening-drive score of the season.
- Oct 19, 2026The win at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara moved the 49ers to 6-0. Kittle told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt he knew he would score when he heard coach Kyle Shanahan's play call in the huddle.
- Oct 20, 2026RotoWire reported Kittle has at least four receptions in five straight games, heading into a Week 7 road matchup against the Falcons on Sunday.
- Oct 22, 2026A Blogging Dirty preview noted the Falcons have allowed four touchdowns to tight ends this season, and that Kittle has topped 65 receiving yards in four of six games, scoring each time.
- Oct 23, 2026Kittle laughed when a reporter listed the receivers the 49ers have been without and said expectations haven't changed.
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Kittle said he was "very excited" when the touchdown play was called and credited Shanahan's install advice and Brock Purdy's throw for leaving him open.
- Analysts
- Blogging Dirty framed Kittle as a difficult matchup for the Falcons, citing Atlanta's four touchdowns allowed to tight ends this season.
- Caution
- RotoWire and Yahoo Sports noted the 49ers are missing several receivers, leaving the passing attack relying more on Kittle.
Still unverified
Mike Evans is "expected to miss some time" after aggravating his Achilles injury, per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area; his Week 7 status was described as up in the air. A Blogging Dirty preview said Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels practiced and isn't in concussion protocol but won't be at 100% even if he plays.