Is the 49ers TE playing today against the Packers?

There was a surprise in Week 11 when the San Francisco 49ers ruled out tight end George Kittle for their pivotal game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers lost that NFC West matchup and struggled on offense. They turned in their least efficient offensive performance of the year, and it’s hard not to highlight Kittle’s absence as a major reason for the collective faceplant on that side of the ball.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan after Week 10 seemed optimistic about Kittle’s chances to play in Week 11 despite “hamstring irritation” that popped up during the 49ers’ Week 10 win over the Tamp Bay Buccaneers.

Kittle was listed as questionable and ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff when the team announced its inactives.

Things are in much better shape for Kittle heading into a crucial Week 12 showdown with the Packers:

George Kittle Injury Update

The 49ers were cautious with Kittle during the week, but he was not officially listed on the injury report. That means barring anything out of the ordinary, he’ll be ready to contend against the Packers.

How long was George Kittle out?

Kittle only missed the one game against Seattle. He was limited in practice to start the week, but on Friday was a full participant and not on the injury report. This season he has missed two games. He was also out in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers lost both contests.

49ers TE depth chart

Part of the problem with Kittle missing time is that the 49ers don’t have much quality behind them on the depth chart. Eric Saubert is no. 2 TE, but he is primarily a blocker. Second-year TE Brayden Willis and TE Jake Tonges are also on the 53-man roster, but neither has been any kind of offensive factor this season. With Kittle out, tight end will be a wasteland for the 49ers.