San Francisco 49ers' tight end, George Kittle, is having a relatively quiet season so far in his seventh campaign with the team. With an average of just 36 yards on three receptions per game, he is falling short of his career averages of 62 yards and 4.7 catches. However, a potential opportunity for Kittle to shine arises as the 49ers face the blitz-happy defense of the Minnesota Vikings, especially with the absence of Trent Williams.

Under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings' defense has shown a fondness for blitzing. This bodes well for Kittle in the passing game as he has demonstrated prowess against blitz situations. According to Chris Raybon on Action Network's Fantasy Flex, Kittle leads the 49ers in yards and catches against the blitz this season and ranks second among all tight ends in yards per route against the blitz. This suggests that whenever quarterback Purdy feels the pressure, he tends to rely on Kittle as a safety blanket.

The doubtful status of Trent Williams, the highest graded offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus for three consecutive seasons, adds more weight to the potential reliance on Kittle in the passing game. Williams has been a formidable force in pass blocking, allowing only 19 quarterback pressures out of 526 pass blocking snaps last year, with just three resulting in hits or sacks. With Williams potentially unavailable, Purdy will likely lean on his tight end more than usual, especially with the absence of another key offensive weapon, Samuel.

Despite his relatively lackluster receiving numbers thus far, Kittle has managed to record three or more receptions in four out of six games this season. Notably, he had a stellar performance in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, scoring three touchdowns in primetime. Furthermore, Kittle's consistent performance in the closing games of last year's regular season, where he caught a touchdown in four consecutive games, showcases his ability to step up in crucial moments.

With all these factors in play, many are starting to have faith in Kittle's potential impact against the Vikings' defense. The odds are even in his favor. The stage is set for Kittle to reclaim his spotlight and prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the 49ers' passing game.

In conclusion, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings and their blitz-heavy defense, George Kittle's performance and potential impact cannot be overlooked. With Trent Williams listed as doubtful, the pressure will likely fall on Purdy to rely on his star tight end. Despite underwhelming numbers this season, Kittle has shown flashes of his brilliance and has a track record of stepping up in crucial moments. As the game approaches, the Kittle bandwagon is gaining momentum, as fans and experts anticipate an impressive showing from the talented tight end in this matchup.