Shanahan: George Kittle decision will go down to the wire, but hoping for good news in Week 12

The San Francisco 49ers host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football in Week 12, and they’re hoping tight end George Kittle is able to get back on the field. Kittle has missed two games since taking a helmet to the knee in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, and has yet to return to practice.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to the media on Monday, and he said a decision on Kittle “will go down to the wire again this week,” but he is hoping things turn out better this time around, per beat writer Matt Maiocco. The 49ers return to practice on Wednesday at which point we’ll get a formal practice participation report.

Fantasy football analysis: 49ers TEs George Kittle, Ross Dwelley

Ross Dwelley replaced Kittle in the lineup each of the past two weeks, and found the end zone twice this past week against Arizona. Dwelley is not going to be a consistent fantasy football option, and instead seems likely to be a touchdown or bust type player. If you want to roll the dice in particularly deep touchdown leagues, be my guest, but otherwise take a pass.

If Kittle is able to get in limited work, fantasy owners might be able to count on him for the late Sunday game. He’ll likely be questionable though, so consider alternatives just in case.