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(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Whether George Kittle suits up for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks is the central question for this week. Nonetheless, the Niners got their first positive sign that their star tight end could be ready for the game on January 3 at Levi’s Stadium.
Nick Wagoner of ESPN posted a video on December 30 of Kittle in full gear back at practice. The reporter didn’t reveal whether it was a full or limited practice for the veteran. However, seeing him out on the field is a welcoming sign, considering he didn’t practice at all last week in preparation for the Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears.
Still, the Niners have a good backup in Jake Tonges, as he showed against the Bears; he can carry the load if the 49ers don’t want to rush Kittle, understanding that it will be more important to have him for a playoff run.
Tonges recorded seven receptions for 60 receiving yards and one touchdown against Chicago. Nonetheless, the game against the Seahawks is for the No. 1 seed in the conference and NFC Division title, so Kittle likely wants to return.
49ers’ Jake Tonges Is Capable of Filling In for George Kittle
After the Niners’ win over the Bears on December 28, San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy shared his thoughts on Tonges stepping up to fill Kittle’s shoes in that game.
“He did great,” Purdy told postgame when talking about Tonges’ performance against the Bears. “When George goes down to be able to have a really good tight end step in and not only just know what he’s doing, but make plays and be a guy that the defense has to account for in a lot of situations.
“For us, that’s awesome. So for him to come in, ball out, hometown kid obviously, but more than anything, he’s a guy that has length, got great hands, and he’s a guy that I trust. So, it’s really cool to obviously have both those good tight ends like that.”
Christian McCaffrey Also Gives Huge Praise to Jake Tonges
Moreover, Purdy wasn’t the only one to heap high praise on Tonges; Christian McCaffrey also didn’t hold back when asked about the 26-year-old’s performance against Chicago. In his postgame press conference with the media, McCaffrey made it clear how amazing it is to have someone like Tonges fill in for Kittle.
“I have the utmost respect for him,” McCaffrey said. “It’s been unbelievable what he’s done this whole year. The first thing I think about is George’s leadership. When you have one of the best tight ends to ever play in that room, those guys get to watch him every single day.
“He’s done such a good job when his number’s called, stepping up, making big plays for us. Proud of him, man. He’s a hell of a teammate, hell of a player. And, again, showed out again today.”
If Kittle isn’t 100 percent, the 49ers shouldn’t risk him playing against Seattle, understanding that they can win a big-time game without him, that Tonges can step up, and that a Week 18 win would give him more time to heal his ankle injury. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if he wants to go even if he’s not 100 percent.
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He previously covered the league for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has contributed as a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He also served as an editor for Athlon Sports and Heavy Sports focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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