George Kittle caught two touchdown passes as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-30 at Levi’s Stadium, raising their record to 3-0. Kittle also had four other receptions for 82 yards in a game that saw San Francisco deal with players being taken from the field by cart for the third consecutive week.
Kittle’s first touchdown came on a 10-yard reception that put the 49ers ahead 29-20. He turned inside against Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning, then used his momentum to reach the end zone. Coach Kyle Shanahan said the matchup gave Kittle an advantage on the route, while Brock Purdy said the play required a quick throw before Kittle could create additional yardage.
Kittle missed six games last season because of a hamstring injury and later tore his Achilles tendon during a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He returned in time to play in San Francisco’s season opener in Australia. After the Arizona game, Kittle said he was improving but had not yet reached full strength, adding that his legs were beginning to feel better.
The game also included a Kittle bobblehead giveaway, with fans displaying the figure around the stadium. Kittle rated the likeness an 8.5 and said it needed a longer beard and additional tattoos.
Purdy joked about Kittle’s holding penalty on a play that appeared to produce a touchdown run before the penalty instead led to Kittle’s scoring reception two plays later. Kittle also praised Purdy’s confidence and Shanahan’s trust in the quarterback. The source did not provide further details about the game’s later developments.
