San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that Kittle (hamstring) won't be available to play Sunday against the Buccaneers but could return from injured reserve for the 49ers' Week 7 game against the Falcons, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
Kittle is eligible to have his 21-day practice window at any point, but Shanahan hinted that the 49ers' preference may be to wait until Week 7 to clear the tight end to resume on-field work. While Kittle has been sidelined, Jake Tonges has handled the majority of pass-catching opportunities at tight end while splitting time at the position with blocking specialist Luke Farrell. The duo should continue to share snaps at tight end against Tampa Bay.