49ers Update: Kittle's Ankle, Purdy’s Precision, and a Dominant O-Line Setting the Tone
As the 49ers gear up for a crucial Week 17 matchup against the Bears, all eyes are on tight end George Kittle, who’s dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain. After the game, Kittle downplayed the severity, noting it wasn’t a high-ankle sprain - a key distinction that could mean a quicker return to action. That’s welcome news for a San Francisco offense that leans heavily on his versatility and toughness in both the passing and run game.
Offensive Line: Anchored by a Hall of Famer in Waiting
Trent Williams continues to play like a man on a mission. The veteran left tackle turned in a dominant performance against the Colts, earning a 91.0 offensive grade - the highest of any lineman in the game - and a staggering 93.0 run-blocking grade.
At 37, Williams isn’t just defying Father Time, he’s bullying him at the line of scrimmage. After the game, with fans chanting “One more year,” Williams hinted he’s not done yet.
He’s now one of just four offensive linemen in NFL history with 12 or more Pro Bowl selections, joining legends like Bruce Matthews, Randall McDaniel, and Will Shields.
Center Jake Brendel also stood out in pass protection, posting an 80.0 pass-blocking grade - the best in the game. While his run-blocking grade came in lower at 63.0, his ability to hold the pocket steady gave Brock Purdy the time he needed to operate.
Defensive Trenches: Young DTs Making Noise
On the defensive side, the 49ers saw breakout performances from a pair of young interior linemen. CJ West and Alfred Collins both recorded their first NFL sacks and tied for the top pass-rushing grade of the game with a career-high 91.7. That kind of interior pressure is exactly what defensive coordinators dream about heading into playoff football - especially when it comes from players still finding their ceiling.
Brock Purdy: The Engine of the Offense
Let’s talk about the quarterback - because Brock Purdy is playing some of his best football at just the right time. He’s not just managing games; he’s elevating the offense. Kyle Shanahan’s recent comments about what makes a quarterback special - vision, arm angles, processing speed, and poise - might’ve been about someone else, but they could’ve been a scouting report on Purdy himself.
Take his second-quarter touchdown to Kittle. Rolling out to his right from the 11-yard line, Purdy didn’t panic when his first read wasn’t there.
He kept scanning, kept moving, and eventually found Kittle breaking open on the backside. That’s not just athleticism - that’s patience, poise, and elite-level processing.
Later, in the fourth quarter, Purdy delivered another gem - a sideline strike to tight end Jake Tonges, who made a toe-tap catch that was initially ruled incomplete. Replays showed Tonges got both feet down, but before Shanahan could throw the challenge flag, Purdy had already moved on, snapping the ball to keep the tempo up. That’s a quarterback in full command of the offense.
At just 26 years old, Purdy’s showing the kind of field awareness and decision-making you’d expect from a 10-year vet. And unlike some of the more stationary pocket passers, he’s got enough juice in his legs to extend plays and make things happen off-script - a vital tool in today’s game.
Practice and Media Schedule: All Eyes on Chicago
Here’s how the 49ers’ week is shaping up as they prep for the Bears:
Wednesday, December 24
- 12:45 p.m. - Kyle Shanahan press conference
- Followed by Robert Saleh and then Brock Purdy
- 2:35 p.m. - Practice
Thursday, December 25
- No media availability - Merry Christmas
Friday, December 26
- 1:10 p.m. - Practice
- 2:20 p.m. (approx.) - Shanahan press conference
Pro Bowl Power: 49ers Well Represented
The 49ers are sending a strong contingent to the Pro Bowl this year. Alongside Trent Williams, tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and special teamers Luke Gifford and Jon Weeks all earned the nod. It’s a testament to the depth and balance of this roster - stars at every level, and key contributors on special teams doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed.
The Road Ahead
With the playoffs looming, the 49ers are leaning heavily on Brock Purdy - and not just as a game manager. He’s the centerpiece now.
In a conference full of capable quarterbacks, none may be more critical to their team’s postseason hopes than Purdy is to San Francisco’s. The defense is solid, the run game is strong, but this team’s ceiling rises or falls with No. 13 under center.
And right now? He’s rising.