Ideally, the San Francisco 49ers wouldn't be on yet another short week as they prepare for a critical Week 18 showdown on Saturday, Jan. 3, against the conference-leading Seattle Seahawks.
But, with the game to determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture moved up a day from the usual Sunday, the Niners must adjust to the added pressure of preparing with one day less than normal.
And healing up from injuries, too.
Two key injuries highlighted San Francisco's exhilirating Week 17 victory over the Chicago Bears: left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) and tight end George Kittle (ankle). Whereas Williams suffered his injury on the very first snap last Sunday and didn't return, Kittle was ultimately ruled out of the game and listed as inactive after not quite being healthy enough to go.
Kittle suffered his injury the previous week on the road against the Indianapolis Colts.
Kyle Shanahan provides as promising an injury update on George Kittle as possible
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Shanahan left the door open for both Williams and Kittle to play on Saturday against the Hawks.
But Kittle certainly seems much further along to returning than the future Hall of Fame lineman, as the former would be limited in practice while Williams would be held out.
Better news for #49ers with George Kittle being a limited participant in practice on Tuesday.
— Jennifer Lee Chan -all platforms: @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) December 30, 2025
Backup tight end Jake Tonges filled in admirably for Kittle against Chicago, notching a touchdown in a role not unlike what the former had back when the All-Pro landed on injured reserve after a hamstring injury suffered way back in Week 1, ironically against Seattle.
Williams' absence, meanwhile, was alleviated by swing tackle Austen Pleasants, who earned a nice shoutout from Shanahan after defeating the Bears.
While the 49ers would ideally prefer having Williams back in the lineup, they can at least rest a little easier knowing Pleasants did his job well enough in relief.
Fans will have a clearer picture of the full injury prognosis for both players, particularly Kittle, when the Niners wrap up practice on Thursday.