Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
49ers injury news: George Kittle practices for the first time since Week 9 injury
Nov 21, 2019 at 12:28 PM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Having
George Kittle in the lineup would be a significant boost for the 9-1 San Francisco 49ers, who host the 8-2 Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. The Pro Bowl tight end hasn't practiced or played since suffering knee and ankle injuries against the Arizona Cardinals during Week 9.
That changed on Thursday.
Kittle was out on the field with his teammates during the portion of practice open to the media. He was wearing a blue non-contact jersey, however. Still, it is a good sign for the tight end, who is eager to get back on the football field.
Despite missing the past two games, Kittle remains the 49ers' top receiver, having hauled in 46 passes for 541 yards with two touchdowns, and is quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's favorite and most reliable target.
Kittle's status may not be clear until closer to kickoff between the 49ers and Packers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday was asked about his tight end's health.
"Better than last week, but not good enough to practice today (Wednesday)," Shanahan responded. "It's going to come down to the wire again, and hopefully it will work out."
Rookie wide receiver
Deebo Samuel (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday either, but like Kittle, was on the field on Thursday wearing a non-contact jersey.
The 49ers' late kickoff could be a benefit for ailing players like Kittle, Samuel, and Emmanuel Sanders (ribs).
"When you have a lot of guys that are banged up, the later [kickoff] can be the better," Shanahan said. "I think it's a little harder to get going early in the morning. If it was an East Coast Monday-night game, it would probably be the best, except I wouldn't want to travel and be on the road.
"But the longer our guys can have, the better. Our guys need it right now."
Related News
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers restructure George Kittle's contract, creating cap savings
ESPN's Field Yates reports that the San Francisco 49ers have restructured the contract of tight end George Kittle, creating close to $10 million of additional 2024 salary cap space.
The Browns restructured the contract of newly-acquired WR Jerry Jeudy to create north of $10M in 2024 cap space.The 49ers restructured the contract of TE George Kittle, also creating close to $10M in 2024 cap space.— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15,
Did the 49ers get better in the first week of free agency?
It's been less than one week since the free agency rumors started swirling. The San Francisco 49ers have been busy, from restructuring contracts to seeing some of their own sign elsewhere to bringing aboard new players. They even pulled off a trade. But have they improved their roster this first week of NFL free agency?
Let's take a look at which additions and returning players help, and which losses hurt.
Additions that help
The addition that helped the most is likely edge rusher Leonard Floyd. The veteran pass rusher played in all 17 games last season and hasn't missed a game since 2017. The 49ers have been searching for that edge rusher opposite of Nick Bosa since Dee Ford. Floyd very well could be that guy, finishing with at least nine sacks
49ers signing safety George Odum to a two-year extension
NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reports that, according to the player's agent, the San Francisco 49ers are signing safety and special teams contributor George Odum to a two-year, $10 million extension that could reach $10.8 million. Initially signed through the 2024 season, this extension will keep him under contract through 2026.
The #49ers and special teams ace George Odum have agreed to a two-year extension worth up to $10 million, per his agent Matt Glose. The deal puts Odum at the top of the core special teams market.
49ers LB Fred Warner and wife Sydney welcome first baby
According to PEOPLE, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner and his wife, Sydney, have welcomed their first baby, son Beau Anthony, into the world. Beau was born on Thursday, March 7, in San Jose, California.
San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner and Wife Sydney Welcome First Baby: 'Over the Moon' (Exclusive) https://t.co/wrEEOTCeKJ— People (@people) March 11,