San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is going to be listed as doubtful for Monday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed today. Kittle, who did not practice at all this week, is dealing with knee and ankle injuries suffered during Week 9's win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Shanahan told reporters that Kittle's status for the game might not be determined until game day. He didn't want to reveal too much about any potential roster moves that might take place before Monday should Kittle be unable to play.
Shanahan remains hopeful that Kittle will be able to play, and explained why.
"Just because it's George," Shanahan said. "If it was any other player, I probably would say he's out, and if it goes like this, he will be out. But George isn't a guy who needs to be out at practice. We know he's doing everything he can, and we'll see how he feels on Monday. But things would have to change (for Kittle to play)."
Shanahan explained on Friday afternoon during a KNBR interview what "doubtful" means in his mind.
"Doubtful means, in my mind, it means he's got to wake up on game day and show us something that's been different every other day that week," Shanahan said. "If he wakes up and stays the same, he'll end up being out."
Shanahan indicated that tight ends Garrett Celek (Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform) and Daniel Helm (practice squad) are candidates to be activated ahead of Monday's game should Kittle be unable to play.
Kicker Robbie Gould (right quadricep) is also listed as "doubtful" on the team's official injury report. Four players, tackles Joe Staley (fibula) and Mike McGlinchey (knee), running back Raheem Mostert (knee), and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot, quadricep) were listed as "questionable."
Shanahan did add that Kyle Juszczyk's knee (MCL sprain) is doing well, and the fullback should be good to go on Monday.