The San Francisco 49ers announced positive injury news heading into their Week 17 showdown against the Chicago Bears. After the win on “Monday Night Football” over the Indianapolis Colts, the injury to George Kittle was the major concern.
Due to an ankle issue, Kittle missed part of the third quarter and all of the fourth. Since the game’s outcome remained uncertain until late, there’s at least a chance he could miss the matchup against Chicago. However, there was a positive update on that front, along with another pass catcher.
Kittle won’t take part in practice on December 24, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN, that he “has a chance” to play in Week 17. Kittle recorded seven catches for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Colts, so it will be a significant loss if he can’t go.
As for the other injured players, Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, making him the only other 49er not practicing. Running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams are both resting on December 24.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, dealing with knee and ankle issues, and cornerback Renardo Green, recovering from a neck injury, are scheduled to practice on a limited basis after missing the Colts game.
George Kittle Spoke About His Injury
Despite missing most of the second half against the Colts on December 22, Kittle didn’t sound too concerned about his injury. While he’s taking it day by day, he did note a positive outlook.
“Pretty excited,” Kittle said about the result before giving an update on his injury (h/t KNBR). “We won Monday Night Football on the road. It’s already after 12. Can’t wait to get on a plane and go home. My concern level—I don’t think it’s a high ankle sprain. We’ll take it one day at a time and go from there.”
The 49ers tight end also shared when the injury that sidelined him for much of the second half happened.
“It happened [in the] second quarter,” Kittle added. “We had a drive. I feel like I got hip dropped. Ankle got stuck in the grass or the cork turf. Really weird field. Anyway, I tried to tape it up. Went in the third quarter, and it just got worse from there. If I can’t run very fast or plant, then I think it’s a better [option] for my other tight ends to go in there and make plays.”
Brock Purdy Shined in the 49ers’ Win Over the Colts
As Kittle was shining on the field, Brock Purdy was equally impressive, leading the 49ers’ offense with 25 completions on 34 attempts for 295 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He proved especially potent in the red zone, connecting on four of six passes inside the 20-yard line.
Following the game, Trent Williams didn’t hold back, praising Purdy when speaking with Scott Van Pelt of ESPN.
“He’s resilient, and he carries a certain peace about him right now that keeps him from getting rattled,” Williams said postgame on ESPN. “He’s truly confident in his abilities and fully trusts the scheme, and it radiates from him, something the whole offense can feel; he’s our leader, and we follow him.”
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