Kittle returning to practice was good news for the 49ers, who hope to get their All-Pro player back in time for this weekend's divisional bout with the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan even sounded somewhat optimistic about Kittle's chances of a return, saying the tight end "looked awesome" during the Friday session.
"He's healthier seven days later than he was last week when he was questionable [to play in Week 1]," Shanahan said.
That's all good, right? It certainly would be good for second-year quarterback Trey Lance, who is preparing to make his second regular-season start in front of a Levi's Stadium crowd and his fourth ever NFL start. Kittle has missed 12 games since the beginning of the 2020 season, and Lance has only had Kittle available for one of his three starts.
The bad news is that Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle isn't hearing good news coming out of Santa Clara.
"The San Francisco 49ers on Friday listed George Kittle as questionable to play in Sunday's home opener against the Seahawks," Branch wrote, "but the All-Pro tight end is considered unlikely to make his 2022 debut, according to a source familiar with the team's plans."
The 49ers insist that Kittle will be a game-time decision, and something may change between now and kickoff. General manager John Lynch admitted that Kittle's status will likely go "right down to the wire."
"He is improving, though, and we just want to make sure we have a healthy Kittle for the entirety of the season moving forward," Lynch said.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injury updates: Nick Bosa's timeline, Alfred Collins surgery, George Kittle optimism
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch met with reporters on Wednesday, during the team's annual end-of-season press conference. It was the first opportunity for the 49ers to share injury updates following last weekend's playoff loss to the... -
49ers roster moves: George Kittle to IR, Fred Warner practice window, TE promoted
The San Francisco 49ers promoted tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad to the active roster on Tuesday, placing tight end George Kittle on injured reserve to create space. The team also opened the practice window for linebacker Fred Warner, who remains on injured... -
George Kittle sends emotional message to 49ers fans after Achilles injury
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle took to Instagram on Monday, one day after suffering an Achilles injury in the team's playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles, to share a heartfelt message with fans. "Football sucks sometimes. But I love it," Kittle wrote. "I love... -
49ers mailbag: Was Kendricks, Sigle, and Wallow an upgrade? Who is TE1 with Kittle out? Will Fred Warner play on Saturday?
The San Francisco 49ers are working on another short week as they prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs. The opponent is familiar, so there won't be a lot to learn. But the rest factor is an issue. The 49ers will be at a significant...