The San Francisco 49ers may not know George Kittle’s status until the very last possible moment.
After failing to practice all week with an ankle sprain, the All-Pro tight end is now shaping up as a true game-time decision for Sunday night’s matchup against the Chicago Bears. The update came Saturday evening from Ian Rapoport, who outlined how the situation is expected to unfold.
“49ers star TE George Kittle, who hasn’t practiced this week with an ankle sprain, will test out his ankle pregame to see if he can go,” Rapoport posted. “While most players don’t play if they don’t practice all week, Kittle is intent on testing it out to see if he’s got a shot.”
That language matters. It signals uncertainty, but it also leaves the door open.
What the 49ers Are Facing Entering Week 17
GettyBears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Kittle suffered the ankle injury during San Francisco’s Week 16 win and was unable to log a single practice session afterward. In most cases, that would point strongly toward an absence, especially for a skill player expected to handle blocking responsibilities as well as a heavy receiving workload.
Still, the context is important.
The 49ers remain in the thick of the NFC West race and are hosting the Bears in a prime-time spot. If Kittle can safely give it a go, the team appears willing to let him test the ankle during pregame warmups before making a final call.
That decision will not come until inactives are released roughly 90 minutes before kickoff.
Why Kittle’s Status Matters So Much
GettyGeorge Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers.
Kittle is more than just a primary target in the passing game. He is a foundational piece of San Francisco’s offense, especially in heavy personnel groupings and play-action concepts.
If he is unable to play, the 49ers would be forced to adjust both their blocking schemes and red-zone approach. Depth options can absorb snaps, but there is no true like-for-like replacement for what Kittle provides when healthy.
This is not a peripheral storyline. It directly affects how San Francisco structures its offense against a physical Bears defense.
What to Watch Sunday Night
At this stage, the reporting does not lean strongly in either direction. The key detail from Rapoport’s update is intent.
Kittle wants to test it. The 49ers are willing to wait. And the final decision will come late.
That puts all eyes on pregame warmups at Levi’s Stadium.
Until then, George Kittle remains questionable in the truest sense of the word.
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