49ers' George Kittle: Strong effort in MNF loss

Kittle had five receptions (on seven targets) for 78 yards while receiving his first carry of the season for two yards in Monday's 22-17 loss to Minnesota.

Kittle tried to help fill the offensive void left by Deebo Samuel's (shoulder) absence by impersonating the dual-threat superstar but instead wound up gaining just two yards on his first carry of the season. It was an otherwise strong performance from the 30-year-old after he recorded just one catch for one yard in last week's loss to Cleveland. With Samuel expected to miss multiple games at a minimum, Kittle figures to see more action as a receiver in the interim, starting with Sunday's matchup against Cincinnati.