The San Francisco 49ers are in danger of not having quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's No. 1 target out on the field when the team hosts the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on Monday night. Tight end George Kittle did not practice Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. The 49ers have one more practice scheduled for today at noon, and Kittle's availability could come down to a game-time decision.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan joined KNBR after Friday's practice and discussed the status of his Pro Bowl tight end.
"We'll see [on Saturday] what we end up labeling him," Shanahan said on the "Tolbert, Krueger and Brooks" show. "I'm hoping he will end up being questionable, but there's definitely a possibility of doubtful."
Kittle suffered a knee and ankle injury early during Week 9's win over the Arizona Cardinals but played through the discomfort. His unavailability would be a significant blow to the 49ers offense against a division opponent that has won two straight and five of its last six games.
Kittle leads the 49ers with 46 receptions for 541 yards while contributing two touchdowns. His 299 yards after the catch rank No. 2 in the NFL (Darren Waller, OAK, 302) and his overall Pro Football Focus grade of 93.7 doesn't just lead tight ends, it leads all NFL players, period.
"I'm holding out hope for George because he was able to get through the game last week," Shanahan continued. "I would say if it was the normal person, they would be out. George does have a chance, but keep your fingers crossed."
Shanahan also broke down how he determines a player's game status (questionable, doubtful, out) each week. Obviously, "out" doesn't need an explanation.
"Doubtful means, in my mind, it means he's got to wake up on game day and show us something that's been different every other day that week," Shanahan explained. "If he wakes up and stays the same, he'll end up being out.
"I think questionable, to my understanding of it, means most likely he's playing. Something has to change over the next 24 hours."
We'll find out Kittle's designated game status when the 49ers release their official injury report later today.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Shanahan below.