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49ers injury news: George Kittle’s ankle soreness won’t keep him out vs. Packers, says Kyle Shanahan
Jan 16, 2020 at 11:05 AM
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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle missed Wednesday's practice due to some ankle soreness that resulted from Saturday's playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings. The injury isn't likely to keep him out of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, though.
Kittle is "full go" for practice on Thursday, Kyle Shanahan revealed. The 49ers head coach wasn't sure when the injury occurred during the game, but wasn't too concerned about it.
Shanahan was asked before practice if he expects the ankle issue to be a problem for Sunday.
"No," the coach responded.
Added Shanahan: "The soreness did (surprised me) a little bit. "That's why I didn't bring it up in here before practice. But, I knew he had some wear and tear from the game, was a little sorer than we thought before practice. So, we held him out."
It sounds like the 49ers were just being cautious with their All-Pro tight end, so fans are free to relax. Kittle should be on the field with his teammates on Sunday against the Packers.
Below is Kittle's reaction to the news that he and his ankle are fine.
The Vikings held Kittle to three catches for 16 yards, which are uncharacteristically low numbers for the 49ers' potent offensive weapon.
"He's always a big part of our plan, but you never know how the game's going to go until the game starts," Shanahan continued. "There are a lot of things to take into account. You never know what coverages they're going to play, how the game's going, but we'll see. He always has a chance to (have better numbers)."
Linebacker Kwon Alexander (pectoral) and defensive end Dee Ford (quadricep, hamstring) will be limited during Thursday's practice, pending any changes due to the rainy weather in Santa Clara. Running backs Tevin Coleman (elbow) and Raheem Mostert (calf) will be full participants.
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