The San Francisco 49ers have listed tight end George Kittle as questionable for the Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears.
Kittle is battling an ankle injury that forced him out of last week's contest and kept him out of practice all week in the lead up to the Sunday night game against the Bears.
While Kittle is reportedly considered a game-time decision, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers tight end is "highly unlikely" to play on Sunday night.
George Kittle injury update
"49ers TE George Kittle, listed as questionable for Sunday night due to a sprained ankle that prevented him from practicing last week, is “highly unlikely” to play vs. The Bears, per source," Schefter reported.
This is hardly surprising given Kittle's lack of practice participation during the week.
For our fantasy football owners out there, it's great to finally get some clarity on Kittle and now they can start making plans to replace him instead of risking it by waiting it out with the 49ers tight end.
Who is George Kittle's handcuff?
Assuming this report holds and Kittle doesn't play, the 49ers will deploy fellow tight end Jake Tonges as his replacement.
Tonges proved to be a capable pass-catcher when Kittle was sidelined earlier this season due to a hamstring injury.
When Kittle sat out Weeks 2-6, Tonges averaged 41.8 receiving yards per game and tallied two touchdowns. Tonges has found pay dirt four times in all this season.
If there are no great options on the waiver wire to replace Kittle, Tonges is a solid option, especially against a Bears defense giving up the 14th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2025.
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