The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 15 contest against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
If you were concerned that George Kittle didn't practice on Wednesday, you will be happy to learn that the All-Pro tight end returned to the practice field on Thursday.
#49ers TE George Kittle back at practice after resting Wednesday with knee soreness. pic.twitter.com/M79cjinTH1
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 16, 2021
While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't sound too concerned about Kittle's status.
"I'm just told it's soreness," Shanahan said. "Soreness isn't as much of an injury. It's just the game is a violent game. It's tough to get over it, over some of the soreness, especially with us having a Thursday-night game coming up (next week). Just giving him a little bit more rest."
Linebacker Fred Warner was limited for the second consecutive day.
Running back Elijah Mitchell and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair continued their work on a side field. Mitchell remains in the concussion protocol while Al-Shaair is dealing with an elbow sprain.
#49ers RB Elijah Mitchell (concussion, knee) and LB Azeez Al-Shaair (elbow) working on the side during early portion of open practice on Thursday.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 16, 2021
Cornerback Dontae Johnson is still absent. However, he could return at any point and play on Sunday.
"Hopefully, we'll have him back later in the week," Shanahan said on Wednesday.
Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Falcons, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
LB Azeez Al-Shaair (elbow), LB Dre Greenlaw (groin), DL Maurice Hurst (calf), CB Dontae Johnson (not injury related - personal matter), DL D.J. Jones (knee), RB Elijah Mitchell (concussion, knee)
Limited Participation in Practice
TE George Kittle (knee), S Jaquiski Tartt (glute), CB Ambry Thomas (concussion), LB Fred Warner (ankle)
Full Participation in Practice
DL Nick Bosa (not injury related - resting player), C Alex Mack (not injury related - resting player), T Trent Williams (not injury related - resting player)
Atlanta Falcons Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
LB Dante Fowler (calf), S Erik Harris (chest), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (not injury related - resting player), TE Lee Smith (not injury related - resting player)
Full Participation in Practice
S Richie Grant (ankle), TE Hayden Hurst (illness), LB Adetokunbo Ogundeji (ankle)