San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle sounds like a player who expects to be on the field with his teammates on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. He suffered an MCL sprain and bone bruise during Week 1 and missed the next two games, including this past weekend against the New York Giants.
Kittle spoke with reporters on Thursday and expressed his excitement about returning.
"I feel like I can always play," Kittle explained. "I feel like I could have played against the Jets (during Week 2), but that's just me. I think a couple of things went into me not playing; just the conversation with Coach Shanahan, and we just agreed it wasn't the best decision. I wasn't all the way back yet, and it's a long season.
"I think if it would have been later in the season, I would have definitely gone. But hey, now I'm here, and I get to play on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles. So, that's what I'm looking forward to."
Kittle has been a full participant during the team's two practices this week. There is one more practice scheduled for Friday. While head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that the team will "be smart" with its All-Pro tight end, everything adds up to his return.
Added Kittle: "I really wanted to be out there with them (against the New York Giants), but like I said, I get the opportunity this Sunday, and I'm just really looking forward to being back out there with the boys."
If that isn't the sound of a player who expects to be suited up and ready to go on Sunday night, I don't know what does.
Who will be throwing Kittle the football? It may be quarterback Nick Mullens. Jimmy Garoppolo missed his second consecutive practice this week, which would indicate Mullens will get the call to start again on Sunday night.
"I love watching Nick play," Kittle said. "We have a great connection. I love all three of our quarterbacks. They're all great QBs. And getting a chance to play with Nick again, I'm excited about it because it's BDN, and he's a great QB."