Kittle’s return expected; Sherman sidelined again
49ers Beat: Kittle on track to return; Sherman sidelined.
After missing the past six games with a broken bone in his right foot, AllPro tight end George Kittle is expected to return Saturday when the 49ers play the Cardinals.
Kittle returned to practice on a limited basis last week. His performance in those sessions gave head coach Kyle Shanahan optimism he can play against Arizona, barring a setback.
“I know he responded well ( last week) from a medical standpoint,” Shanahan said. “so I’m looking to see how he is this week. If he’s good, I plan on him playing.”
Kittle, who missed two games in September with a knee injury, ranks third on the team in receptions ( 37) and receiving yards ( 474) despite playing in just six of 14 games. The 49ers’ other tight ends have combined for 45 catches for 488 yards.
Sherman sidelined: Cornerback Richard Sherman, who recently said his chronic Achillesrelated calf injury had been “solved,” did not practice Tuesday because of calf soreness.
Sherman, 32, who had surgeries on both Achilles before he signed with the 49ers in 2018, missed nine games this season because of what the team termed a “calf strain.” The 49ers initially expected Sherman to miss a maximum of four games, but Sherman acknowledged he had “a few setbacks.”
Sherman had discomfort during Sunday’s loss to Dallas, his fourth game since his return, but played 57 of 58 defensive snaps.
Given Sherman’s recent medical history, Shanahan was asked if he wouldn’t play in the final two regularseason games.
“I know he’s hurting today,” Shanahan said. “You could tell he was hurting in the game, too. We’re only two days removed from the game, so we’ll see how it goes later in the week. We’re not going to make that decision now.”
Sherman expressed confidence earlier that his leg issues had been resolved during his absence.
“It was cool because we were able to get to the bottom of some deeperlying problems and get those corrected, so that we didn’t have anything in the future,” Sherman said. “It sucked in terms of the time missed, but it helped in terms of the longterm prospects.”
Mostert’s season over: Running back Raheem Mostert won’t play in the final two games after aggravating his high ankle sprain against the Cowboys.
Mostert played in the past four games after a fourgame absence, but said his injury wasn’t fully healed. Mostert, who missed two earlyseason games with a knee injury, rushed for 521 yards in eight games this season.
Other injury news: Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw ( knee), free safety JimmieWard ( concussion), strong safety Tarvarius Moore and defensive end Dion Jordan ( knee) did not practice. Shanahan said Kinlaw, Moore and Jordan were “day to day.”