The San Francisco 49ers may have tight end George Kittle available when they face the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.
Kittle injured his ankle and left the team’s Week 16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday reported Kittle avoided a high ankle sprain which would’ve likely kept him out for multiple weeks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday provided a bit of optimism about the star tight end.
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According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Shanahan said Kittle “has a chance” to suit up against the Bears on Sunday Night Football.
Missing Kittle would be a significant disadvantage for the 49ers against an 11-4 club that is also vying for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Kittle is a key piece of the 49ers’ run game because of his blocking ability and how defenses have to defend him as a pass catcher.
He’s also a key piece of their passing attack as evidenced in Monday’s win over Indianapolis. He hauled in seven-of-eight targets for 115 yards and a touchdown to continue a strong run across San Francisco’s five-game win streak. In that stretch he has 31 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns. This season he’s up to 52 catches, 599 yards and seven touchdowns in only 10 games.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers vs. Bears: Injured TE George Kittle has chance to play Week 17