The San Francisco 49ers are within striking distance of the NFC West title. After their Week 16 win over the Indianapolis Colts and the Seattle Seahawks win over the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers control their own destiny for the playoffs.
With a chance to secure the NFC West and the NFC's top seed (plus a first-round bye) on the line, the status of superstar tight end George Kittle is of utmost importance.
He left the Week 16 game with an ankle injury, and there was concern about his availability for Week 17. But a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is positive news for the 49ers' tight ends' availability in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears.
49ers get positive update on George Kittle's ankle injury
"49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with a 'mid-to-low ankle sprain' suffered Monday night in Indianapolis, per a source," Fowler reports. "It's unclear yet what that means for Week 17, but I'm told he at least has a chance, depending on how the week goes."
If Kittle can be healthy for Week 17 against the Bears, then the 49ers would be in a much better spot than if he were out. They have experience this season with Kittle on the sideline, but in such an important matchup, having him good to go would be huge.
Fowler also followed up this report with a line worth keeping in mind as Kittle pushes to play: "The 49ers are accustomed to playing without Kittle,... But it's all systems go for the playoff push now."
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While this doesn't directly state that the 49ers are getting Kittle back for Week 17 after an ankle injury on Monday night, it doesn't indicate Kittle has a chance, and might push to play through this injury.
Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is on the line, and it would be a huge outcome for the 49ers. Winning against the Bears in Week 17 and having a chance to secure the NFC West and the number 1 seed in Week 18 against the Seahawks is the goal.
Kittle being healthy would be a huge boost to the 49ers' offense, and while his status for Week 17 might still be in doubt, Fowler's reporting is a positive one for the 49ers, as Kittle not only has a chance to play, but he might push to go even if he's not 100%.
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