The San Francisco 49ers haven't been very forthcoming with the details of George Kittle's injuries, simply stating that the Pro Bowl tight end has knee and ankle injuries. The injuries were sustained during an October 31 game against the Arizona Cardinals, and Kittle hasn't played since then.
It looks like that will change tonight. Kittle is expected to be on the field for the 49ers when they host the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium, according to a report last night from Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Kittle, following the lead of head coach Kyle Shanahan, wasn't willing to reveal too much about his injuries this week, either. When asked on Thursday if it is his knee or ankle causing more issues, he responded, "Yes," and left it at that.
Schefter revealed more this morning, indicating that it might be the ankle that was the more significant cause of the setback. It turns out Kittle broke a bone in his ankle during that Halloween-night matchup in Arizona and returned to play in the game.
Schefter reports that Kittle's ankle isn't completely healed. Still, it is expected to be good enough for the offensive weapon to be available tonight against Green Bay, which is the first of three consecutive games against division-leading opponents.
"This week, I think if it was a normal person, I'd probably make him doubtful," head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week, "but Kittle's different than most people and, as I said, he won't allow me to rule him out too early because he keeps telling me he's going to surprise me by game day. We've got a little bit more time this week and he's a little bit ahead."
Also expected to play, per Schefter's report last night, is rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder). That left veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ribs) as the only unknown factor among players who are listed as "questionable."
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported this morning that Sanders will likely be on the field with Kittle and Samuel when the 49ers and Packers kick off.
The #49ers are optimistic that some of their key offensive weapons will be available. The belief is that WR Emmanuel Sanders (ribs), WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder), and TE George Kittle (knee, ankle) will play today vs. the #Packers, sources say, though they may work out pre-game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 24, 2019