"We've had a number of high-ankle sprains on our team this year, but Jimmy's was definitely the worst," Shanahan said. "That's why we thought he was going to need surgery for a little bit, but he didn't. That's why he needs longer rest than most of the people. But Jimmy won't be back this week for practice.
"I'm hoping to get Kittle into practice a little bit this week. We'll see about Jimmy, if he's ready for some practice the following week. But I think this week, we have a chance at Kittle for practice, and that's it."
The 49ers have just three games remaining on their schedule, and at 5-8, their playoff chances are a long shot. Shanahan was asked if he is confident that Garoppolo will play again this season.
"I wouldn't say I'm confident," the coach responded. "I think it's up in the air. I'm waiting to hear from the doctors. It's something that, when you have the high-ankle sprain that he had, that was worse than everyone else's, and it was so close to surgery, the only way we're going to put him out there (is) if he's completely healed and not going to risk him having to get surgery on it.
"I don't want to put him out there for a last game or a last two games for him to have a chance of re-injuring it and have to have surgery in the offseason. Until the doctors tell me that there's no chance of that, and that has to do with Jimmy pushing himself like he has been doing, having no soreness and things like that, that's when we'll do it. That's why it is a week-to-week thing right now. I mean, we've gotten over the hump, but it is a risk, and we're not going to do it if there is a risk.
"We feel, talking to Jimmy and the doctors, there's a risk this week, so we'll put it off another week, see how it goes. He's rehabbing — him and George — as hard as anyone can, and then we'll re-evaluate it next Monday."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injury update: George Kittle has 'a chance' to play vs. Bears
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle avoided a worst-case scenario after suffering an ankle injury Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Kittle sustained a mid-to-low ankle sprain rather than a high-ankle sprain, which... -
Report: 49ers TE George Kittle dealing with mid-to-low ankle sprain
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with a "mid-to-low ankle sprain" sustained during Monday night's 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with a "mid-to-low ankle sprain," per... -
49ers injury news: Postgame updates on George Kittle, others after win vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers picked up a decisive 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, improving to 11-4 on the season. However, the victory did not come without some injury concerns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media after the game and provided several... -
49ers vs. Bears: George Kittle won't practice Wednesday, Ricky Pearsall returns
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered during Monday night's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Kittle will not practice on Wednesday as the team begins preparations for Sunday night's Week...