Santa Clara – The 49ers are getting one of their biggest playmakers back just in time for primetime. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Friday that star tight end George Kittle will make his return this Sunday night when the 49ers host the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium.
After weeks of rehab, Kittle is back to full strength, and Shanahan made it clear there won’t be any limits on his workload.
“No pitch count,” Shanahan said after Friday’s practice. “George has rehabbed really well, came back 100 percent, had a good week of practice. We’ll space it out throughout the game, but yeah, no pitch count.”
Kittle’s comeback comes at a crucial moment for San Francisco, who are still reeling from the loss of linebacker Fred Warner, who suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle in last week’s heartbreaking 30–29 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Warner underwent successful surgery and has already started recovery.
“The bigger part is getting George on the field,” Shanahan added. “It’s always good to have good leaders around, but it starts with being out there.”
Quarterback Mac Jones couldn’t be happier to have his top target back. Since taking over for Brock Purdy earlier this season, Jones and Kittle have built instant chemistry, a connection the 49ers’ offense desperately missed in recent weeks.
“George is great at finding ways to get open, and Mac’s great at finding the open man,” Shanahan said. “They just click. George has done this for a long time, and I think Mac will be excited to have him back out there.”
Kittle’s energy, leadership, and playmaking ability could give San Francisco exactly the spark they need as they look to get back on track and keep their playoff hopes alive under the Sunday night lights.
