Breaking: Is George Kittle playing vs. Packers? Injury updates for 49ers TE….Read More

There was a surprise in Week 11 when the San Francisco 49ers ruled out tight end George Kittle for their crucial matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers lost that NFC West showdown and struggled on offense. They posted their least-efficient offensive performance of the year, and it’s hard not to highlight Kittle’s absence as a significant reason for the collective face-plant on that side of the ball.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan after Week 10 seemed optimistic about Kittle’s chances of playing in Week 11 despite “hamstring irritation” that cropped up during the 49ers’ Week 10 win over the Tamp Bay Buccaneers.

Kittle was listed as questionable, and ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff when the team announced its inactives.

Things are in much better shape for Kittle going into a pivotal Week 12 showdown with the Packers:

George Kittle injury update
The 49ers were cautious with Kittle during the week, but he was not officially listed on the injury report. That means barring something out of the ordinary, he’ll be ready to suit up against the Packers.

How long was George Kittle out?
Kittle only missed the one game against Seattle. He was limited in practice to start the week, but by Friday was a full participant and not on the injury report. This season he’s missed two games. He was also out for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers lost both contests.

49ers TE depth chart
Part of the issue with Kittle missing time is the 49ers don’t have much quality behind him on the depth chart. Eric Saubert is the No. 2 TE, but he’s primarily a blocker. Second-year TE Brayden Willis and TE Jake Tonges are also on the 53-man roster, but neither has been any kind of factor on offense this season. When Kittle is out, tight end becomes a wasteland for the 49ers.