San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is officially listed as "questionable" for Sunday's regular-season opener in Chicago. There is optimism that he can get past his recent groin strain injury and be on the field against the Bears.
"That's why he's questionable," head coach Kyle Shanahan responded after Friday's practice when asked about the possibility of Kittle playing.
The coach isn't the only one who is optimistic about Kittle's availability despite the tight end missing the last three practices. Kittle spoke with reporters in the locker room and felt his recovery is headed in the right direction.
A reporter asked Shanahan if Kittle had ever missed a week's worth of practices and still played in a game.
"I don't know," Shanahan answered. "I would guess he has, but I don't know. I don't remember those facts."
Kittle insists he did earlier in his career, so don't count him out against the Bears just yet.
George Kittle said he's gotten progressively better since his Monday groin injury and is going to see if he can play Sunday. He noted he's missed a week's worth of practice and played on Sunday at an earlier point in his career.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 9, 2022
"Feeling significantly better than where we were at Monday," Kittle said of his chances of playing. "Even better than Wednesday, better than Thursday. Taking great steps forward. Definitely doing everything I can to be on the field on Sunday.
"I've had games in the past where I haven't practiced the entire week and played, so hopefully, I get off the plane, I feel better tomorrow and Saturday, and I have an actual opportunity to go out there and play. The goal is to be out there. I'm going to do everything I can to be, and that's what my thoughts are."
Matt Barrows of The Athletic asked about the possibility of playing making the injury worse.
"If I could make it worse, I don't think they're going to let me play," Kittle responded. "So we're on the same page with that as a team. We're doing everything we can [to make sure] I'm going to be safe out there. If we can do whatever we can to make it as stable as possible and safe, I'll be out there."
Kittle added that there is an open line of communication between himself, the training staff, and the coaches. They are trying to make the best decision possible to ensure the tight end is available for the rest of the season.
The 49ers and Bears kick off from Soldier Field on Sunday at 10 a.m. PT (noon CT).