Kittle: “I will play” against Falcons, ready to return with 49ers

George Kittle ready to return to the field with the 49ers

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has expressed his intention to play next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Kittle, who recently opened his practice window and has 21 days to recover from a hamstring injury, expressed his enthusiasm to return to the field.

“I fully intend to play on Sunday. As long as coach Kyle Shanahan allows me. It’s up to him. But I expect to be there. And I think I will be,” Kittle stated.

George Kittle

Kittle has been out of action since the start of the season on September 7, when he suffered the hamstring injury. The player described the injury as a “complete tear”, but fortunately, it did not detach from the bone, which shortened his recovery time. The player has been eager to return, especially after missing the last five games, during which the 49ers have achieved a 4-2 record. Kittle has missed the game, which has prompted him to speed up his recovery, but without risking worsening the injury. During Wednesday and Thursday’s practice, Kittle participated in a limited manner, but he feels “really good” and with a notable improvement. His possible return has generated great enthusiasm among his teammates.

“George is incredible. He transmits very good energy on the field and is simply George. He is not going to change, whether in practice or on game day, so you know what you are going to get. I’m excited to see where he is,” commented quarterback Mac Jones.

Mac Jones

If Kittle is activated for the game against the Falcons, the 49ers will need to make a roster move. Linebacker Fred Warner is scheduled to be placed on injured reserve due to a dislocated and fractured right ankle. Another important question for the 49ers is who will throw the ball to Kittle. It seems that Mac Jones could be the starter on Sunday, while Brock Purdy continues to recover from a toe injury. Purdy also participated in a limited capacity in Thursday’s practice, while Jones, who has been dealing with knee and oblique injuries, was upgraded from limited participant to full participant. Other players who showed positive evolution in Thursday’s injury report were defensive tackles Kalia Davis (hand), CJ West (thumb), and Kevin Givens (pectoral), who went from limited to full participation. Right guard Dominick Puni (knee) and receiver Skyy Moore (ankle) also returned to limited practice after missing Wednesday. Receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf) did not participate in practice.