Kittle says ankle feels 'fabulous,' reportedly expected to play vs. Packers
Despite missing practice earlier this week while nursing an ankle injury, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is fully expected to play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
Kittle returned to practice on Thursday and told reporters that his ankle felt "fabulous," according to NBC Sports' Jennifer Lee Chan.
The All-Pro tight end is simply dealing with soreness rather than a significant injury, Rapoport added, but he could still be monitored moving forward.
Kittle missed two games during the regular season as he dealt with bone chips in his ankle but then returned for the stretch run. He caught just three passes for 16 yards in San Francisco's divisional-round win over the Minnesota Vikings.
The 26-year-old enjoyed one of his best outings of the season in the 49ers' dominant Week 12 victory over the Packers, accumulating six receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, Kittle racked up 85 catches, 1,053 yards, and five scores during the regular season.