San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday and provided an update on tight end George Kittle, who missed Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams due to a hamstring injury. Kittle returned to practice this week, albeit as a limited participant. His participation is a positive sign of his availability against the New England Patriots this weekend.
Shanahan expressed confidence that Kittle would suit up for the Week 4 contest, stating, "He had a good day. ... So, I feel good about George right now."
Kittle was equally optimistic while speaking to reporters after Thursday's practice.
"I'm very excited to play football," Kittle said in the 49ers locker room. "... I'm feeling fantastic."
He noted that he reported to the 49ers last week feeling very sore following the loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
"Went out to practice on Wednesday (last week) and just wasn't feeling right," Kittle commented. "And then, after practice on Wednesday, we got an MRI, and I had a grade 1 hammy (a strain), and so we're not really sure. We thought I was gonna be 100 percent fine, and just ended up not."
Brock Purdy shares injury update
Quarterback Brock Purdy also addressed his health after emerging from Sunday's game with some back soreness, which raised concerns about his status for Week 4. However, Purdy has participated fully in practice this week and appears ready to face the Patriots.
When asked about the injury, Purdy explained that it didn't stem from any specific play.
"It was probably cumulative, just in terms of the whole game," Purdy shared. "... It was a physical game. So, sort of after the game is when I started feeling some stuff and whatnot. But the last couple of days have been good. Just getting some rest and, obviously, treatment and stuff. So feel good now."
The 49ers and Patriots will clash on Sunday at Levi's Stadium. San Francisco comes into the game on a two-game losing streak, bringing their record to 1-2 for the season. They will be looking to get back on track with a much-needed victory.