The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for a pivotal Week 17 matchup with one major question still unresolved.
Tight end George Kittle was absent from practice again as the 49ers continued their short-week preparation for Sunday night’s game against the Chicago Bears. Kittle remains sidelined with an ankle injury suffered during Monday night’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The lack of practice participation has placed his availability firmly in question as the week moves forward.
What the Injury Update Tells Us
Kittle is dealing with what has been described as a mid-to-low ankle sprain, a more favorable diagnosis than a high-ankle injury but one that can still limit cutting, push-off, and overall effectiveness.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated that Kittle still has a chance to play, though the 49ers have taken a cautious approach. With limited recovery time between Monday night and Sunday night, practice reps carry added importance.
Until Kittle returns to the field in some capacity, his status remains fluid.
Why Kittle’s Availability Matters for the 49ers
Kittle’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet.
He remains a focal point of San Francisco’s offense when healthy, providing a reliable middle-of-the-field option for Brock Purdy while also serving as a key piece in the run game. His presence influences coverages, personnel groupings, and red-zone efficiency in ways that are difficult to replace.
Even in limited action Monday night, Kittle produced at a high level before exiting, underscoring how central he is to the offense when available.
How the 49ers Could Adjust if Kittle Sits
San Francisco has depth at tight end, but replacing Kittle is more about redistribution than substitution.
If he’s unable to go, the 49ers would likely spread responsibilities across multiple players rather than rely on a single replacement. That could mean more snaps for secondary tight ends, while increased usage shifts toward wide receivers and backs in space.
The offense can function without him, but the structure becomes more predictable.
The Bigger Picture for San Francisco
The 49ers have already clinched a playoff spot, but the next two weeks still carry significant weight. A win over Chicago would set up a high-stakes regular-season finale with the Seattle Seahawks, with division positioning and seeding still in play.
San Francisco must balance the importance of Sunday night with the priority of having its core contributors healthy for January.
For now, the door remains open for Kittle.
But until he returns to practice, his status for Week 17 remains uncertain.
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