49ers injury report: Kittle on pace to play vs. Steelers

SANTA CLARA — Tight end George Kittle, who has been nursing a groin condition, went through his second consecutive day of limited practice Thursday as the 49ers continue preparations for Week 1 of the regular season. Kittle appears to be on pace to be available for the 49ers when they open the season Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. "I'm excited to play on Sunday," Kittle said Thursday. Kittle's production last season took off after Brock Purdy became the 49ers' starting quarterback. Kittle caught a career-best 11 touchdown passes last season — seven of which came after Purdy entered the lineup. The 49ers received some not-so-great news as cornerback Charvarius Ward is having trouble with his heel and did not practice, the team disclosed on its official participation report. "He had a little thing that came up [Wednesday]," Shanahan said of Ward on KNBR on Thursday. "But I'm feeling pretty confident he's going to be all right." If Ward is unable to play Sunday in the 49ers' season opener, they would turn to either Ambry Thomas or Sam Womack to fill in for the team's top cornerback. Deommodore Lenoir is slated to start at the other cornerback spot....