The San Francisco 49ers may be officially eliminated from playoff contention, but they will be getting back one of their big stars this weekend.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Thursday that tight end George Kittle will be active and play on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Kittle has been out since Week 8 with a foot injury and was in jeopardy of missing the remainder of the season. The 49ers removed him from the IR last week, but he was not able to play in a 41-33 loss to the Cowboys.
Per 49ers beat reporter Matt Barrows, Shanahan said Kittle might be the healthiest guy on the team, although he will be on a “pitch count.” He did not specify how limited Kittle could be on Saturday.
The 49ers have been decimated by injuries all season, also losing Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas for the season.
The Niners will also be turning to third-string quarterback C.J. Beathard on Saturday after backup Nick Mullens injured his right elbow that could require Tommy John surgery.
They were hopeful that perhaps Garoppolo could return, but it will only be Kittle that will be back on the field.
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