The San Francisco 49ers are hoping to get some reinforcements this week, with tight end George Kittle expected to come off Injured Reserve and return to practice after being out since Week 1.
Kittle had suffered a hamstring injury on the opening drive for the 49ers after catching four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown, and was quickly ruled out of that game against the Seattle Seahawks. Shortly after, he was placed on Injured Reserve.
After missing five games, he is finally ready to make his return, but that may not be the case for other injured starters.
Speaking with the media on Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that they’re still evaluating both wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who has a knee injury, and quarterback Brock Purdy, who has a toe injury, ahead of Week 7.
“We’ve got Jordan Watkins with his calf, expect to get him back in practice this week. Ricky [Pearsall] with his knee, still evaluating it,” Shanahan said about the team’s injuries. “Whether he can come back this week, we’ll have to see him on Wednesday. Brock Purdy, similar with his toe. Hopefully, he can get back in and do a little bit more this week. Yetur [Gross-Matos] with his hamstring, we’ll have to continue to rehab. And our IR guys, Kevin Givens will continue to practice, and we’re expecting to get George Kittle back into practice this week. Go ahead.”
Shanahan further clarified, sharing that he expects Kittle to not only practice, but play this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons.
Pearsall’s situation seems sticky at the moment because the 49ers had the same prognosis last week when Shanahan said the team expected him to practice. He did not participate at all last week before being ruled out, so it seems that the knee injury is a bit more serious than initially expected.
As for Purdy, the 49ers are glad they went 3-1 with backup Mac Jones at the helm, and should only bring their starter back at full health to risk another re-aggravation of the turf toe injury. But, Purdy back would give San Francisco another key piece as they look to get healthier amid all the injuries. Still, that also seems like a wait-and-see, considering he didn’t practice at all last week as well.
One potential return will have to wait at least another week, as offensive lineman Ben Bartch won’t return this week, with Shanahan mentioning the hope is in the ‘next couple weeks.’
“[Ben Bartch] Bartch, I didn’t get anything for this week,” Shanahan said about an update on the left guard. “So, I’m not assuming this week. Hopefully in the next couple weeks. Connor [Colby]’s getting a lot of experience, he’s playing, which is going to really help him in the future. I think nothing’s perfect. I think he’s got a number of good plays and a number of plays he’d like to take back. But, I think this is a moment in his career that is going to help him going forward and not hurt him.”
Colby has struggled a bit in Bartch’s absence, but the 49ers don’t really have any other options at guard with their current depth. So, he seems to be the guy until Bartch can return, whenever that is.
About the Author: Insidethe49
