George Kittle's chances of playing on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks aren't looking too good. The San Francisco 49ers tight end wasn't on the field with his teammates for Saturday's practice, the final session of the week before the NFC West showdown.
Once again, #49ers TE George Kittle not on the field for portion of practice open to media. Still two days to rehab/recover but gonna be tough. More clarity to come from Kyle Shanahan in a bit.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) November 9, 2019
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is scheduled to take questions from reporters around 1 p.m. PT.
Kittle suffered knee and ankle injuries during the 49ers' Week 9 win over the Arizona Cardinals and has not practiced this week. The team will hold a walkthrough on Sunday, but no media access is allowed.
Kittle has been quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's most-reliable target this season and leads the team with 46 receptions for 541 yards while contributing two touchdowns. His 299 yards after the catch rank No. 2 in the NFL (Darren Waller, OAK, 302) and his overall Pro Football Focus grade of 93.7 leads all NFL players, not just tight ends.
Shanahan said this week that there was still a chance Kittle plays against the Seahawks, but a decision on the tight end's status would not come until closer to game time.
"We'll see [on Saturday] what we end up labeling him," Shanahan said Friday on KNBR. "I'm hoping he will end up being questionable, but there's definitely a possibility of doubtful. I'm holding out hope for George because he was able to get through the game last week. I would say if it was the normal person, they would be out. George does have a chance, but keep your fingers crossed."
San Francisco will release its final injury report later today. That's when we will learn Kittle's designation.
Kicker Robbie Gould (quad) was also held out of Saturday's practice. Although, reporters saw him getting some work in on the side.
#49ers K Robbie Gould (quad) was doing some running on the side during portion of practice open to media.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) November 9, 2019
Tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey, along with fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end Levine Toilolo, and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon were all seen on the practice field. Later today, we'll learn if they were full participants or if they were limited.
OTs Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey, FB Kyle Juszczyk, TE Levine Toilolo and CB Ahkello Witherspoon were all participating in portion of practice open to media.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) November 9, 2019