49ers Injury Update: Kittle Sidelined, Pearsall Returns to Practice Ahead of Key NFC Showdown
SANTA CLARA - As the 49ers gear up for a high-stakes Sunday night clash against the Chicago Bears, they’re keeping a close eye on the health of some key contributors - most notably, tight end George Kittle.
Kittle, fresh off being named to his seventh Pro Bowl, won’t be on the practice field Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said there’s still a chance Kittle suits up this weekend, but for now, the team is playing it cautiously. And after the physical toll he took against the Colts - including two questionable hip-drop tackles - it’s no surprise the Niners are managing his workload.
Despite the injury, Kittle showed exactly why he remains one of the most impactful tight ends in football. He racked up a season-high 115 yards on seven catches in San Francisco’s 48-27 win over Indianapolis, continuing a campaign that’s seen him post 52 receptions, 599 yards, and seven touchdowns in just 10 games. He’s been a tone-setter all season - both as a pass-catcher and a blocker - and his availability could be a major factor in Sunday’s playoff-implication-heavy matchup.
The 49ers (11-4) enter Week 17 riding a five-game win streak and currently sit as the NFC’s fifth seed. The Bears, also 11-4, hold the No. 2 spot and lead the NFC North.
This game could very well shape the postseason landscape. With wins over Chicago and Seattle in Week 18, San Francisco can lock up the NFC West and secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
There was some good news on the injury front. Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is trending in the right direction and returned to practice in a limited capacity.
He’s been dealing with knee and ankle issues but appears to be turning a corner. Pearsall has quietly become a reliable option in the passing game, averaging 55.4 receiving yards per contest - trailing only Kittle and Christian McCaffrey on the team.
In just eight games, he’s posted 31 catches for 443 yards, despite missing six straight earlier this season with a PCL injury.
Cornerback Renardo Green, who missed Monday’s game, was also scheduled for limited work on Wednesday as he works his way back.
On the defensive side, Yetur Gross-Matos is getting a maintenance day after returning from a hamstring injury last week. Shanahan made it clear this is precautionary, not a setback. Veteran rest days were also given to Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams - both essential pieces for the 49ers’ postseason aspirations.
Linebacker Tatum Bethune, who re-aggravated an ankle injury during Monday’s game, has been cleared for full practice. He managed nine tackles against the Colts before giving way to veteran Eric Kendricks, who filled in for 10 plays and provided a steadying presence.
Here’s how the 49ers’ injury report looks heading into the week:
Did Not Practice:
- TE George Kittle (ankle)
- DL Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring)
- RB Christian McCaffrey (rest)
- LT Trent Williams (rest)
Limited:
- WR Ricky Pearsall (ankle, knee)
- CB Renardo Green (undisclosed)
With playoff positioning on the line and two evenly matched teams set to square off, the 49ers will be hoping their stars - especially Kittle - are ready to go under the lights on Sunday night.