49ers TE Kittle won’t play vs. Dallas
RB Mostert removed from injury report
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan liked what he saw from George Kittle in the tight end’s return to practice this week.
One disclaimer: Kittle was merely on the scout team.
He will not suit up for Sunday’s visit to the Dallas Cowboys, seven weeks after sustaining a foot fracture in Seattle.
But while Kittle continues to wait, running back Raheem Mostert was removed Friday from the injury report, clearing the way for him to play against Dallas.
Mostert had been limited in practice this week after aggravating an ankle injury. But he is “good to go,” Shanahan said in a video conference with reporters.
As for Kittle, Shanahan said he has “a chance” to return for the final two games of the regular
season, Dec. 26 at the Arizona Cardinals and Jan. 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, also at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., where the 49ers relocated because of Santa Clara County’s COVID-19 regulations.
Shanahan said the 49ers are taking the same approach to Kittle’s comeback as from earlier this season, when he returned to practice in Week 3 from a knee sprain but did not play until Week 4 against Philadelphia.
“He was fresh and looked good,” Shanahan said on KNBR 680-AM. “It’s all about what the doctors say. It’s how he feels this weekend, the soreness and stuff like that. That’s what your debate is, if there’s anything lingering and what the safety issues are of putting him out there.”
Also still on injured reserve is quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whose ankle injury from that same game Nov. 1 in Seattle has kept him off the practice field, and that
might remain so if the 49ers (5- 8) lose Sunday and are eliminated from playoff contention.
Nick Mullens will make his sixth straight start at quarterback in place of Garoppolo.
COUNTY ORDERS EXTENDED
» Levi’s Stadium will remain off limits to the 49ers for the remainder of the season because of Santa Clara County’s extension on COVID-19 restrictions that ban contact sports.
The ban, which could have been lifted Monday, instead will run through at least Jan. 8, according to updated protocol that aligns with state restrictions.
INJURY UPDATES » Center Daniel Brunskill (shoulder) and defensive tackle D. J. Jones (ankle) also came off the 49ers’ injury list.
Linebacker Fred Warner (nerve stinger) and cornerbacks K’Waun Williams (ankle) and Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) were listed as questionable.
Ruled out were wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and backup center Hroniss Grasu ( knee). Also, offensive line coach John Benton remains on the COVID-19 reserve list.