George Kittle & Mac Jones Were Caught in 4K Casually “Ripping” Banned Substance On The Sideline [VIDEO]
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Neither George Kittle nor Mac Jones played in the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. Despite being out, the two of them still made headlines while on the sidelines.
Kittle was recently placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to an Achilles injury. However, he is progressing well and targeting a return for Week 1.
As for Jones, he was held out of the preseason opener as a healthy scratch alongside starter Brock Purdy. The 49ers lost the preseason opener 19-13 to the Titans at Levi’s Stadium. During that contest, QB Kurtis Rourke had to leave the game and be taken to the hospital. He has since been released.
Kittle and Jones Sideline Moment Quickly Gains Attention
A lighthearted sideline moment involving two San Francisco 49ers players has circulated widely. One fan at the game recorded George Kittle and Mac Jones from the stands.
The footage shows the tight end and quarterback engaging with smelling salts in a casual manner while standing in the bench area. Both of them took turns inhaling the ammonia-based packets that many athletes use for a quick sensory boost. Furthermore, the pair appeared relaxed and familiar with the routine as they passed the salts between them without any sense of urgency.
While teams have been banned from providing their players with smelling salts, the league does allow players to bring and use their own during games.
George Kittle Remains On The PUP List
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is currently on the physically unable to perform list. Kittle suffered a devastating Achilles injury during the Wild Card Round of the 2025–26 NFL playoffs.
He has been one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL for years, known for his elite blocking, reliable hands, and emotional leadership on and off the field. Unfortunately, his promising 2025 campaign came to a premature end due to a torn Achilles tendon sustained in the 49ers’ Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite his injury, he is making rapid progress and is trending toward a surprising Week 1 return. In the 2025 NFL regular season, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle played in 11 games. He recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and 7 touchdowns.
