Is George Kittle playing vs. Cardinals today? Full injury update for 49ers TE
By Peter Panacy
George Kittle is dealing with a ribs injury and was listed as questionable for Week 5 against the Cardinals.
The San Francisco 49ers are still far from full strength after passing the first-quarter mark of the season.
Fortunately, a good chunk of their top offensive performers have been able to stay (mostly) healthy this season, including tight end George Kittle, who missed the Niners' Week 3 contest against the Los Angeles Rams because of a ribs injury.
Kittle returned in Week 4 against the New England Patriots but apparently reaggravated the injury, departing early to the locker room prior to halftime along with linebacker Fred Warner.
While Warner didn't take the field again for that game, Kittle did, suggesting he'd be healthy enough for San Francisco's Week 5 home bout against the 1-3 Arizona Cardinals.
After missing multiple practices in the week leading up to Sunday's NFC West tilt, there were understandable questions whether or not Kittle's rib injury could carry over into Week 5.
Is George Kittle playing vs. Cardinals today?
Kittle and Warner were both listed as questionable on the 49ers' final injury report for Week 5.
If there's good news, Kittle partook in Friday's practices, which is a good sign he'll be ready to go against Arizona. It's also of note the NFL did away with the previously used "probable" injury designation, meaning the use of "questionable" is going to be more prevalent.
However, late Saturday, ESPN's Adam Schefter cited a source saying Kittle was expected to play, along with Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who was also listed as questionable.
Of course, things could change between now and kickoff. The 49ers could officially rule Kittle out by declaring him inactive 90 minutes before game time.