After suffering the groin strain during Monday's practice, Kittle did not practice on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. However, he traveled with the team with the hope that he would be healthy enough to go for the Week 1 matchup.
Kittle was listed as "questionable" on Friday's injury report.
"Feeling significantly better than where we were at Monday," Kittle said Friday in Santa Clara. "Even better than Wednesday, better than Thursday. Taking great steps forward. Definitely doing everything I can to be on the field on Sunday."
Kittle and the 49ers were on the same page regarding the situation, though. If there were a chance that playing could make the injury worse, the tight end would sit this one out.
"If I could make it worse, I don't think they're going to let me play," Kittle said.
Kittle missed 11 games over the past two seasons.
The 49ers are currently listed as 6.5-point favorites over the Bears. The two teams kick off at 10 a.m. PT (noon CT) at Soldier Field.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers TE George Kittle responds to speculation about injury setback
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's wording following the team's preseason finale has been overanalyzed by the media. Some wondered whether his use of the phrase "taken a step back" regarding George Kittle meant the All-Pro tight end had suffered a setback in his... -
NFL insider shuts down speculation about 49ers TE George Kittle setback
Speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle's status emerged after comments made by head coach Kyle Shanahan last week. Shanahan used the phrase "taken a step back" while discussing the All-Pro tight end, leading some—including Pro Football Talk's Mike... -
Colton McKivitz praises George Kittle, highlights Kaelon Black's impact on 49ers run game
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz was glad to see a couple of familiar faces back on the practice field Sunday. Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after a planned absence, while tight end George Kittle continued his impressive recovery from the Achilles... -
49ers activate TE George Kittle from PUP List
The San Francisco 49ers announced on Sunday that they have activated TE George Kittle from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Kittle is expected to take part in individual drills on Sunday, but it is not known...