49ers place Kittle on injured reserve

The San Francisco 49ers have placed tight end George Kittle on the injured reserve due to a calf injury, the team announced.

Kittle, who was originally listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals, will now miss at least the next three games.

The All-Pro is expected to be ready to return for the 49ers' second matchup against the Cardinals, which comes in Week 9, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The 28-year-old has been an integral part of the 49ers' offense since becoming a fifth-round pick in 2017. He's put up 3,806 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over 57 career games.

Kittle has caught 19 passes for 227 yards and zero touchdowns in 2021. He's second on the team in receiving yards, trailing only Deebo Samuel.