Is George Kittle playing tonight? Injury update, start or sit advice for Week 17

Mike Moraitis

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Is George Kittle playing tonight? Injury update, start or sit advice for Week 17 image

The San Francisco 49ers are hoping to have the services of tight end George Kittle for the Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.

Kittle is uncertain to play this week after sustaining an ankle injury in Week 16 that forced his early exit from the contest.

The Niners had Kittle on the injury report this week and he did not practice at all before being slapped with the questionable tag.

Here's what we know about Kittle's chances of suiting up in a critical game against the Bears on Sunday night in Week 17, along with some start or sit advice.

Is George Kittle playing tonight?

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Kittle remains a true game-time decision for Week 17 and will test out his ankle pre-game.

"49ers star TE George Kittle, who hasn’t practiced this week with an ankle sprain, will test out his ankle pregame to see if he can go, source said," he reported. "While most players don’t play if they don’t practice all week, Kittle is intent on testing it out to see if he’s got a shot."

One bad sign for Kittle is the fact that the Niners elevated a tight end from the practice squad, which is, at the very least, a hint the 49ers aren't 100% sure the veteran tight end will play.

We won't get official word on Kittle's status until around 6:50 p.m. ET, when the 49ers release their final injury report.

That presents a problem for fantasy owners who want to wait for Kittle, as there won't be many options left to replace him if he's ultimately inactive.

Last-second options to replace George Kittle

If you're waiting on Kittle, there is likely to be a few last-minute options out there on the waiver wire, although none of them are great.

Kittle's backup, Jake Tonges, will take the reins of the starting tight end role if the veteran is ruled out. Tonges has shown some receiving prowess this season, as he has produced three games with at least three catches and 41 yards, and he has scored four touchdowns in all.

Another potential option available on waivers is Bears tight end Cole Kmet, who has posted nine catches for 120 yards and one touchdown. Kmet was an elite tight end a few years ago but has hit the skids since 2024.

From the Monday night game, Colby Parkinson of the Los Angeles Rams might be available after his 2/21/0 dud last week. Parkinson was one of the hottest tight ends in fantasy in his seven games prior to that, ranking as TE6 overall in that span.

George Kittle start or sit advice

Is Kittle worth waiting on this week? You bet he is.

Entering Week 17, Kittle ranks as TE2 overall this season in terms of fantasy points per game, making him one of the very best options at his position.

The Bears also present a favorable matchup, with Chicago surrendering the 14th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2025.

You always start your studs, no matter the situation. If Kittle goes, he should be in lineups, although make sure you have a backup plan just in case.

Verdict: Start

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Editorial Team