The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 11 contest against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Wednesday's practice, the first of the week, was a walkthrough with nothing at full speed.
George Kittle (knee, ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. He did, however, offer up some hope that he could soon return. The Pro Bowl tight end escaped the media in the 49ers locker room before practice, smiled, and simply said, "Close, guys."
Close enough to play on Sunday? We'll have to see how the rest of the week goes.
Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group noted that Kittle didn't have a significant limp, which is certainly good for the tight end and the 49ers.
Tackle Mike McGlinchey confirmed on Wednesday that the offensive line would once again be without veteran tackle Joe Staley, this time due to a fractured/dislocated finger suffered on Monday night. Staley did not practice and head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the offensive lineman had surgery and would miss at least a couple of weeks.
Shanahan said defensive tackle D.J. Jones will not play against the Cardinals.
Also absent from Wednesday's practice were wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who is day-to-day with a rib injury suffered against the Seahawks, and running back Matt Breida, who aggravated his ankle, among others.
Below are Wednesday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Cardinals, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Wednesday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
LB Azeez Al-Shaair (concussion), RB Matt Breida (ankle), K Robbie Gould (right quadricep), DT D.J. Jones (groin), TE George Kittle (knee, ankle), WR Emmanuel Sanders (ribs), T Joe Staley (finger)
Limited Participation in Practice
TE Garrett Celek (back), DE Dee Ford (quadricep), RB Raheem Mostert (knee), WR Dante Pettis (back), TE Levine Toilolo (groin), CB Ahkello Witherspoon (foot, quadricep)
Arizona Cardinals Wednesday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
DE Jonathan Bullard (foot), RB Chase Edmonds (hamstring), WR Larry Fitzgerald (not injury related), LB Chandler Jones (not injury related), DE Zach Kerr (knee), LB Terrell Suggs (hamstring, back), TE Maxx Williams (illness)
Limited Participation in Practice
CB Tramaine Brock (hamstring), G Lamont Gaillard (thumb), LB Dennis Gardeck (ankle), DE Rodney Gunter (calf), T Justin Murray (knee), CB Patrick Peterson (calf)
Full Participation in Practice
S Deionte Thompson (knee)