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Garafolo: 49ers ‘cautiously optimistic’ George Kittle will play vs. Jets
Sep 15, 2020 at 2:26 PM
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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."
More San Francisco 49ers News
George Kittle could play vs. Jets even if he doesn't practice, says 49ers' Kyle Shanahan
By David Bonilla
Sep 16, 2020
A San Francisco 49ers player rarely suits up for a game without practicing during the days leading up to that game. George Kittle is a rare tight end, though. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Kittle wouldn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. The tight end may not practice until Friday, and even that is not a certainty.
That doesn't mean the New York Jets won't have to game plan for him, though.
"Kittle, he's battling," Shanahan told reporters before Wednesday's practice. "We thought it would be alright. He woke up the next day a little sore. He fully expects to be there Sunday, like he always does. Just like he always plays through the game when it happens."
Kittle suffered a knee sprain on a hit from safety Budda Baker during Sunday's loss to
49ers injury news: George Kittle texts Mike Silver, says he is 'good to go' vs. Jets
By David Bonilla
Sep 14, 2020
Fans were awaiting word on the status of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who appeared to suffer a leg injury before halftime during Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Kittle ended up playing in the second half but was held without a catch after his injury.
It sounds like Kittle, at least in his mind, plans to play in Sunday's road game against the New York Jets as the 49ers try to get into the win column.
"Good to go," Kittle texted Mike Silver of NFL Network. "On to New York!"
That's some positive news, assuming the 49ers medical and coaching staffs feel the same way. Fans probably remember that Kittle suffered
Kyle Shanahan talks 49ers-Jets, Mohamed Sanu, Richard Sherman, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Frank Gore
By Site Staff
Sep 16, 2020
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters before Wednesday's practice as the team prepares for Sunday's road game against the New York Jets. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Opening comments:
"Injuries likely for today at practice: we've got [WR] Richie James, hamstring strain. [TE George] Kittle, knee sprain. [CB Jason] Verrett, same thing with his hamstring strain and [CB Ahkello] Witherspoon's in the concussion protocol. As you guys saw, [CB Richard] Sherm was placed on IR. Go ahead."
Can you explain what happened with Sherman and when you became aware of the injury?
"We were still
