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UPDATE: A 49ers spokesperson told the media Kittle is dealing with ankle soreness from Saturday’s game, per beat writer Chris Biderman.
The San Francisco 49ers released their first practice participation report of the NFC Championship Game week, and tight end George Kittle sat out with an ankle injury. He joined defensive end Dee Ford as a DNP, although Ford is not believed to have had a setback in his return last week — rather, it’s maintenance with him.
Kittle’s injury is a new one. He did not appear on last week’s injury report and then played 68 of 71 snaps last Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. He generally does not play 100 percent of snaps, so it does not appear he missed any significant time with the injury. If he suffered the injury in the game, the adrenaline and potentially a mid-game pain killer might have gotten him through the game.
The 49ers have two more days of practice and Kyle Shanahan will speak to the media at least once more. If Kittle sits on Thursday, this turns into an issue to take seriously. If he gets in at least a limited practice, we’ll see what Shanahan has to say. Ross Dwelley is the primary backup and would see an uptick in playing time if Kittle was limited or unable to play this Sunday.