The San Francisco 49ers held out hope that tight end George Kittle would recover in time for Sunday night's Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Kittle suffered an ankle injury against the Indianapolis Colts and did not participate in practice this week. He planned to test the ankle during pregame warmups to determine his availability.
The 49ers officially listed Kittle as questionable. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the tight end is "highly unlikely" to suit up in a game that could significantly impact NFL playoff seeding.
"49ers TE George Kittle, listed as questionable for Sunday night due to a sprained ankle that prevented him from practicing last week, is 'highly unlikely' to play vs. the Bears, per source," Schefter posted on social media.
49ers TE George Kittle, listed as questionable for Sunday night due to a sprained ankle that prevented him from practicing last week, is "highly unlikely" to play vs. the Bears, per source. pic.twitter.com/OriUgI3Xks
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2025
Kittle missed five games earlier in the season due to a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the only other 49ers player listed as questionable, is expected to play. Pearsall missed last week's game due to knee and ankle issues, but was able to get through a full week of practice leading into the primetime matchup.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall, listed as questionable for Sunday night due to knee and ankle injuries, is likely to play, per source. https://t.co/Sb3d2HQvGu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2025
If the 49ers win their next two games—against the Bears and, in Week 18, the Seattle Seahawks—they will clinch the NFC West title and secure home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Sunday night's game carries major postseason implications, making Pearsall's likely return and Kittle's expected absence critical developments.