Garafolo: 49ers ‘cautiously optimistic’ George Kittle will play vs. Jets

In case you missed the report on NFL Network posted to our news wire earlier today, Mike Garafolo stated that the San Francisco 49ers are "cautiously optimistic" that their All-Pro tight end, George Kittle, will play this weekend against the New York Jets. It is the first of back-to-back games at MetLife Stadium, with San Francisco facing the New York Giants a week later.

Kittle suffered an injury on Sunday right before halftime against the Arizona Cardinals but continued playing in the second half. The tight end was held without a catch after the injury, however.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Monday that Kittle suffered a knee sprain, which was actually good news considering there was speculation that the injury might be something more severe.

Kittle had texted Garafolo's colleague, Mike Silver, about his status after the 24-20 season-opening loss to the Cardinals.

"Good to go," Kittle wrote. "On to New York!"

Garafolo wanted to provide an update on Tuesday, adding to Silver's report.

"I did a little checking on my own just to make sure it's not just a player being over-confident," Garafolo said on NFL Network. "And my understanding is the Niners are cautiously optimistic that they are going to have George Kittle available to them for this coming game on Sunday against the New York Jets.

"They are expecting a more spirited effort from the Jets than the Jets showed against the Bills, so they still feel like they do need George Kittle for this game. We shall see. Barring any setbacks, it sounds like there is optimism Kittle will play."

Shanahan said on Monday that the team would wait to see how Kittle feels on Wednesday, after the players' day off.

"He was a little sore today," Shanahan said Monday, "but we'll wait to see how he is on Wednesday to see if he's able to practice or be able to go this week. We know there'll be some question."