George Kittle sets 49ers' receiving yards record for tight ends in a season

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SANTA CLARA -- George Kittle now holds the 49ers franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end in a single season. 

In the first quarter Sunday against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium, Kittle’s record-breaking play initially was a short 7-yard pass from quarterback Nick Mullens. But Kittle ran another 45 yards after the catch for a 52-yard gain, putting him at 987 for the season, just 13 shy of the 1,000-yard mark. 

Vernon Davis previously held the record with 965 yards in 2009. 

Kittle broke free again early in the second quarter. He caught another short pass from Mullens, then took it 70 yards after the catch for an 85-yard touchdown.

Kittle finished with seven catches for 210 yards -- all in the first half -- as the 49ers won 20-14. He has 1,103 receiving yards -- already 19th most in a season by any 49er in franchise history -- with three games to play. 

Kittle has been the star of the 49ers’ offense, catching passes from three different QBs. He says he loves to play angry, plowing over people who try to tackle him. 

Kittle has started all 13 games for the 49ers this season, and he entered Week 14 with a 67 percent catch percentage, making him the 49ers’ most reliable target. 

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