San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice. The team is hoping to bounce back from Sunday's disappointing 19-10 Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears and preparing to host the Seattle Seahawks.
Tight end George Kittle did not play in the regular-season opener. While he traveled with the team, hoping to play, a groin injury suffered in the week leading to the game kept him sidelined.
"He's made progress, so hopefully, we'll have better luck this week," Shanahan said.
Quarterback Trey Lance is one player who can't wait for Kittle's return.
"High-energy guy," Lance said of the star player on Wednesday. "He's still around, obviously, in the building and stuff, but hopefully, get him back this week. I mean, everyone can see what he does with the ball in his hands. People don't always see what he does in the run game and just from an energy standpoint, for sure, so it will be great to get him back if we can get him back this week."
Kittle is the type of player who will always try to play. That's why the 49ers sometimes have to be cautious with their All-Pro tight end.
"In his mind, he's ready to go every single day," Shanahan said. "A lot of times, he's right, but you've also got to know that is his mentality. That's not going to change. We do have to protect him from himself in that way, and that's why it's kind of a team effort with deciding [what's best] for him."
Offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill has been dealing with a hamstring injury, hasn't been able to practice, and, like Kittle, missed Week 1.
"We were thinking he'd be ready for Week 1, and he had that setback," Shanahan said. "So he'll be later in this week, but I'm not sure yet. [His chances of playing are] not good right now."
Neither Kittle nor Brunskill will practice on Wednesday. The 49ers are giving tackle Trent Williams a veteran day off. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (elbow) will be limited.