TE Kittle comeback in play; Mostert shut down for season
Tight end George Kittle is on pace to play Saturday when the 49ers, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, play the host Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Kittle has been out since sustaining a Nov. 1 foot fracture in Seattle.
His return would coincide with that of his former Iowa quarterback, C. J. Beathard, who will start for the first time in two years — that last start also coming against the Cardinals in Arizona (an 18-15, last-minute loss on Oct. 28, 2018).
Beathard takes over in place of Nick Mullens, who sustained an elbow injury in Sunday’s loss at Dallas and likely will require Tommy John reconstruction surgery, coach Kyle Shanahan said.
Also ruled out the remaining two games are running back Raheem Mostert
(ankle) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring).
Why play Kittle when the 49ers (5- 9) have been eliminated?
Linebacker Fred Warner concurred and said the 49ers’ medical staff has done well in not rushing players back from injury, even though the team
has used a franchise record 70 players this season. RUNNING BACK OPTIONS » Mostert’s aggravated ankle sprain ends his season with 521 rushing yards and two touchdowns in eight starts, half of which he was unable to finish.
The 49ers likely will start Jeff Wilson Jr. against the Cardinals, after Shanahan
said Wilson emerged healthy enough last game despite ankle and hamstring concerns. Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon are available in relief. Austin Walter is eligible to come off COVID-19 reserve by kickoff but Shanahan doubts his availability.
SHERMAN DONE? » Cornerback Richard Sherman’s calf soreness has called into question whether he’ll return this season. He missed nine games this season because of a calf issue, and this could mark the end of his three-year tenure. He is slated for free agency and has said it would require a “miracle” for the 49ers to find space to sign him. OTHER INJURIES » Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has a knee issue and is listed as “day to day,” Shanahan said. That is also the case for Tarvarius Moore (knee) while fellow safety Jimmie Ward is in the concussion protocol.