SANTA CLARA — Tight end George Kittle stayed off the practice field all week since Monday night’s low-ankle sprain, but the 49ers aren’t ready to rule him out of Sunday night’s game.
Kittle, along with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, is questionable for when the 49ers (11-4) host the NFC North-leading Bears (11-4). Official moves are not due until 90 minutes before the 5:20 p.m. kickoff at Levi’s Stadium.
“George told me he’d have a much better idea (Saturday). Hopefully we’ll know then,” coach Kyle Shanahan said after Friday’s practice.
Kittle battled through pain and gathered seven receptions for 115 yards before watching the 49ers wrap up a 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He produced 151 yards on six catches last December when the 49ers beat the visiting Bears 38-13.
The 49ers went 3-2 without Kittle after his hamstring tear in the season opener at Seattle. Since Kittle was a rookie in Shanahan’s first season in 2017, the 49ers are 10-14 when Kittle doesn’t play (.416 winning percentage) and 71-52 when he does (.577).
Chicago has been preparing as if Kittle will be good to go.
Bears coach Ben Johnson said the 49es are unique in that so much of their passing offense runs through a running back (Christian McCaffrey with 92 receptions, 849 yards, 7 touchdowns) and Kittle (52 receptions, 599 yards, 7 touchdowns in 10 games).
“It’s kind of unorthodox that you’ve got the tight end and the running back as the guys that concern you the most and (Brock) Pudy does a great job finding receivers,” Johnson said.
When Kittle missed five games after tearing a hamstring muscle in Week 2, Jake Tonges became the No. 1 receiving tight end (25 receptions, 233 yards, four touchdowns) with Luke Farrell being primarily a blocking tight end (11 receptions, 85 yards, two touchdowns).
PEARSALL RETURN?
Pearsall was limited in practice after missing Monday night’s game because of a right-knee injury. He originally got hurt in a Sept. 28 loss to Jacksonville, missed the next six games, then aggravated his knee late in a Dec. 14 against Tennessee.
In the eight games he’s played, Pearsall have averaged 14.3 yards per catch, totaling 31 receptions for 443 yards and no touchdowns. He had 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games last season.
DEFENSIVE HEALTH
Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) is improving but out a second straight game, likely leading to another start for Darrell Luter Jr.
Cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. will start his second straight game. He had two pass interference penalties against Indianapolis, although one was dubious, and according to Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh made a big difference in slowing the Indianapolis running game.
“I disagreed with one of them, thought it was pretty good coverage,” Shanahan said. “He had two runs that got to the corner that if they got past him, they probably have two more carries for about 55 yards and that changes the whole game.”
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said during his media availability Thursday “I thought Darrell saved two touchdowns.”
The 49ers’ defense is tracking toward better health to face the NFL’s second-best rushing attack. Linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) and defensive linemen Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) and Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) all were limited in practice.
Bears feeling ill?
Chicago has had a wave of illness hit just as they prepared to board a plane headed for San Jose.
Cornerback Nick McCloud was ruled out for Chicago with an illess, as was wide receive Rome Odunze (foot). Cornerbacks Nashon Wright and Josh Blackwell are questionable. Wright also has a hamstring injury, while Blackwell missed the last two days of practice.
Linebacker D’Marco Jackson was ill but came off the injury report entirely, as did Duvernay.
“It’s this time of year,” Johnson told said. “I doubt we’re the only team dealing with it. We’re washing our hands, we’re very diligent. Guys have masks on. You do what you can. Whoever is available on game day we’ll look to win with. If a guy can’t go, we’ll be ready.”
Listed as questionable for the Bears are linebacker T.J. Edwards (glute) and cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson (knee). Wide receiver Luther Burden was cleared after playing last week with an ankle injury.