Injury updates: Kittle returns to practice

The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field Thursday afternoon, and so did a familiar face. Tight end George Kittle was on the practice field. Kittle had on a blue jersey, which means no contact. He said he was healthy last week, and judging by the video below, Kittle looks like a player that will play Sunday night:

Deebo Samuel also practiced with a blue jersey on. I wouldn’t worry too much about the two receivers wearing non-contact jerseys. This is their first practice of the week. In Kittle’s case, it’s his first practice in three weeks. Baby steps. What matters is that he is at practice.

Matt Breida and Dee Ford were rehabbing on the side of practice. That’s likely an indication neither will suit up. It’s a 70/30 split in favor of Ford in the poll asking which player would be a bigger loss against Green Bay. I thought it would be closer than that.

Emmanuel Sanders was stretching on the side. He didn’t practice, and I don’t think there’s a reason for him to. The Athletic’s Matt Barrows said that Sanders was, “looking spry” and much more active than he was compared to his rehab this time last week. That’s good news.

Robbie Gould and Joe Staley sat out of practice as well. They remain game-time decisions. Azeez Al-Shaair was cleared from the concussion protocol on Wednesday, so San Francisco will have him back as well.

Did not practice:

RB M. Breida (ankle)

DE D. Ford (quad/hamstring)

K R. Gould (right quad)

T J. Staley (finger)

Limited:

TE G. Kittle (knee, ankle)

WR D. Samuel (shoulder)

WR E. Sanders (ribs)

Full:

LB A. Al-Shaair (concussion)

DT D.J. Jones (groin)

RB R. Mostert (knee)