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George Kittle Misses Practice With Ankle Sprain; 49ers Say He 'Has a Chance' vs. Bears

His status carries added weight with the 49ers able to secure the NFC's top seed by winning their final two games.

Overview

  • Coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle has a chance to play Sunday night after the tight end was held out of Wednesday’s session and listed as a non-participant on Thursday’s estimated report.
  • ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Kittle sustained a mid-to-low ankle sprain, confirming he avoided the more serious high-ankle diagnosis Kittle suggested postgame.
  • Kittle left Monday’s win over the Colts in the third quarter after posting seven catches for 115 yards and a touchdown, extending a five-game surge of 31 receptions, 415 yards and four scores.
  • If Kittle cannot go, San Francisco is expected to redistribute tight end snaps and targets to depth options such as Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges, per multiple reports.
  • San Francisco has clinched a playoff berth and can clinch both the NFC West and the conference’s No. 1 seed by beating the Bears in Week 17 and the Seahawks in Week 18; WR Ricky Pearsall returned in a limited capacity.