The San Francisco 49ers have a massive game against the Chicago Bears this Sunday with huge implications for the NFC playoff picture. And they may be without star tight end George Kittle, which could force a former unlikely hero to reprise his role.

Kittle injured his ankle in Week 16’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. He has missed practice this week, which puts his status for Sunday night’s game in doubt. It would be a huge loss for San Francisco’s offense is he is unable to go.

The All-Pro has 599 receiving yards on the season on 52 catches with seven touchdowns. That is all the more impressive considering he has played in just 10 games this year, missing the other five due to an injury suffered in Week 1.

Kittle is coming off his best game of the season against the Colts as he had seven catches for 115 yards and a touchdown, the first time he eclipsed 100 receiving yards in a game this season.

If San Francisco is without the Midwest native who surely wants to suit up to face the team he grew up cheering for as a kid, it’ll miss what he brings to the table as a blocker just as much, if not more, than what he does with the ball in his hands. The 49ers’ rushing attack is porous enough as it is, so it may be tough to move the ball on the ground without a blocker like Kittle in the fold.

If they are without him on Sunday, other players will have to step up including Jake Tonges, who played hero in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.

He filled in nicely for Kittle in the early part of the season, recording some nice games and a few touchdowns as he proved he was a solid backup even if no one can replace what Kittle does. On the season, Tonges has 233 receiving yards on 27 catches with four touchdown catches. He has disappeared from the offense as of late which makes sense with Kittle back.

The Cal product may be targeted a decent amount if Kittle is out, but Luke Farrell will be relied upon as well especially when it comes to blocking. The two will have to combine to try and make up some of what Kittle does.

Plan A is to have Kittle on the field on Sunday, but if he cannot go then Tonges will have to reprise his role as hero.