SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers received mixed injury news this Monday, a day after losing their star linebacker Fred Warner due to a right ankle dislocation that will end his season. Despite this significant loss, the team has reasons for optimism. Coach Kyle Shanahan announced that tight end George Kittle will return to practice this week. Kittle, who has been on the reserve list for injury since Week 2 due to a right hamstring strain, will begin his 21-day practice period this week, with the possibility of playing against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.
Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and receiver Ricky Pearsall (right knee) could also return to practice this week, according to Shanahan. Both will be evaluated on Wednesday and will be evaluated day-to-day from then on. Kittle suffered the hamstring injury in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7. He left the game with 10:06 remaining in the second quarter, limping after running a deep route during a play in which Purdy was sacked. The day after Kittle’s injury, Shanahan announced that Purdy had injured his toe against Seattle. Purdy returned in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the injury worsened and he has missed the last two games. Pearsall also suffered his injury against the Jaguars, falling hard on his right knee while attempting a difficult catch on the San Francisco sideline. Shanahan reported that Warner will undergo ankle surgery on Tuesday. The team hopes that, after Warner fully recovers from the injury, he can return for the preseason program in the spring.That is the hope.
Kyle Shanahan
I think generally, things like this last around three months. But, I haven’t asked all the questions you guys are asking me yet, but I guess it will be fine for the preseason training and things like that.
Kyle Shanahan
