George Kittle Injury Update: As of Sunday morning, December 28, 2025, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is officially listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Chicago Bears, but recent reports indicate he is “highly unlikely” to play. He is expected to test his ankle in pregame warmups to make a final determination.
The three-time Pro Bowler injured his ankle last Monday against the Colts and tested it pregame, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports he’s highly unlikely to suit up.
San Francisco elevated practice squad tight end Brayden Willis as a precaution, while both the 11-4 49ers and Bears chase better NFC playoff seeding behind Seattle’s 12-3 record.
Kittle’s potential absence hurts their red-zone attack, though backups like Jake Tonges have stepped up before, and receiver Ricky Pearsall is expected to play despite being questionable.
Latest Status Update
- Injury: Kittle is dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain suffered in the 49ers’ Week 16 win against the Indianapolis Colts.
- Practice Status: He did not participate in practice all week.
- Game-Time Decision: Head coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch have stated Kittle will be a game-time decision, and he intends to test the ankle out pregame to see if he has a chance to play.
- Outlook: Despite being a game-time decision, NFL insiders report he is “highly unlikely” to be active. The 49ers have elevated TE Brayden Willis from the practice squad, which is often a sign that an injured player at the same position is unlikely to play.
Official inactive lists will be released approximately 90 minutes before the 7:20 p.m. CT (8:20 p.m. ET) kickoff. If Kittle is ruled out, potential replacements for the 49ers include Luke Farrell and Jake Tonges.
Injury Report: George Kittle
Week 17 • 49ers vs. BearsKittle did not practice all week, but reportedly plans to test his ankle during pregame warmups to see if he can play.
Recent Performance
Kittle has been a key component of the 49ers’ offense during their five-game winning streak. The following table details his performance in recent games before his ankle injury sustained in the game against the Colts.
| Opponent | Date | Rec | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @ Colts | Dec 22, 2025 | 7 | 115 | 1 |
| vs. Titans | Dec 14, 2025 | 8 | 88 | 1 |
| vs. Browns | Nov 30, 2025 | 4 | 67 | 0 |
| @ Panthers | Nov 24, 2025 | 6 | 78 | 0 |
| vs. Cardinals | Nov 16, 2025 | 6 | 67 | 2 |
Key Insights
- Injury Detail: Kittle avoided a high-ankle sprain diagnosis, which typically requires a multi-week absence, but is dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain.
- Roster Move: The team activated tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad, which could indicate they are preparing for Kittle’s absence.
- Playoff Implications: The 49ers (11-4) and Bears (11-4) are both in the hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, making this a crucial game for playoff positioning.
- Impact: If Kittle does not play, his absence will be a significant blow to the San Francisco offense, which has been performing at a high level during their win streak.