The San Francisco 49ers are on the cusp of getting some of their key players back from injury this week, with quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle being in that group.
On Wednesday, the Niners returned to practice in preparation for their Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed before practice that Purdy, who is dealing with a turf toe injury that has sidelined him the last two weeks, is returning to practice for the first time since suffering the injury.
Meanwhile, Kittle is also returning to practice, as the Niners are designating him to return from injured reserve, where he landed after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1.
"49ers QB Brock Purdy will return to practice today, still dealing with turf toe," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport relayed. "Mac Jones will also practice, and coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy is more limited than Jones."
"TE George Kittle (hamstring) will also have his practice window opened," Rapoport added.
We don't have their official practice participation for Wednesday yet, as the Niners have yet to drop their first injury report. But chances are they will be listed as limited, at least, which would be progress for both players.
None of this guarantees that either player will suit up, but their respective practice participations are a sign that, at the very least, they are getting closer to a return.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that Purdy has "a chance" to play in Week 7. As for Kittle, the expectation is he will play this week if everything goes smoothly in practice, per NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco.
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