The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> could be facing a 2026 schedule unlike any other in NFL history. After learning about the potential travel demands, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Kittle</a> made his frustration clear with a pointed message toward the league.



During <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> LX week, the NFL announced that the 49ers will open the 2026 season in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams. While that trip alone represents a major travel challenge, it may not be the only international journey San Francisco makes next season.



Kittle added fuel to the speculation when he posted an Instagram story showing a route from Levi’s Stadium to Mexico City, captioned: “Another one.” The message strongly hinted that the 49ers could also be headed to Mexico in 2026.



<h2>A rare international schedule for the 49ers</h2>



If San Francisco ends up playing in both Australia and Mexico, the team could travel more than 38,000 miles during the 2026 season. No team in NFL history has surpassed that mark. The Chargers (2025) and the Rams (2016) previously logged around 37,000 miles — the highest totals recorded.



Several franchises have played two international games in the same season, but under different circumstances. The Jacksonville Jaguars have played back-to-back games in London, and the Minnesota Vikings did so last year in consecutive weeks in nearby countries such as England and Ireland. However, combining trips to Australia and Mexico would represent a much more demanding logistical challenge.



The 49ers already struggled with injuries in 2025, and added travel could further impact player health and performance. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/george-kittle-sends-clear-message-on-49ers-issues-with-electrical-substation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kittle has previously voiced concerns over 49ers issues with electrical substation</a>, and this potential schedule only intensifies those discussions.


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Earlier reports suggested the Dallas Cowboys could play in Mexico, but the NFL ultimately sent them to Brazil. Now, it appears the 49ers may renew their connection with Mexico by returning to Estadio Azteca — now known as Estadio Banorte — for the first time since their 2022 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

George Kittle expresses frustration with NFL amid rumors of unprecedented 49ers schedule in 2026

NFL News: 49ers and Kyle Shanahan could lose home game for 2026 season due to an unexpected reason

Seahawks might not open 2026 NFL season due to NFL’s scheduling decision involving NFC West foes

George Kittle expresses frustration with NFL amid rumors of unprecedented 49ers schedule in 2026 - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> are the most injured team during the last decade of NFL action and it’s not even close. However, a theory that states that it’s the electrical substation across from Levi’s Stadium making all the harm has been getting more and more attention. Now, star tight end George Kittle has opened up about it.



While the theory was dismissed by NFL chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, who stated there is no evidence to support it, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Kittle</a> wants to make sure. “If something’s affecting like negatively 0.25 percent, you’d want to know about it… You’d probably change that,” Kittle said to Jordan Rose of Complex. 



“So I think all we’re saying is, as players, it’s like, we would just like to look into it to make sure it’s not something. That’s what I would just appreciate. Like, ‘Hey, this isn’t gonna affect you guys.’ And then if they come out and they do some research, like, ‘No, you guys are good,’ then I don’t think we’ll think about it.”



<h2>Kittle also voiced his displeasure with 49ers having international games</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/nfl-news-49ers-and-kyle-shanahan-could-lose-home-game-for-2026-season-due-to-an-unexpected-reason" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It’s been reported that 49ers could play in Mexico</a>. It’s also rumored that the team will play in Week 1 against the Rams all the way in Australia. The tight end posted on social media his disgruntlement after the reports came out. Kittle is recovering from an Achilles tear, and he is not fond of recovering to get to leave the United States constantly.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> George Kittle just posted his reaction to playing in Mexico 😅 <a href="https://t.co/cksPG2UZC3">pic.twitter.com/cksPG2UZC3</a>— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/OurSf49ers/status/2021966736409653427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



With trips to Mexico and Australia, the 49ers will become the first team in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> history to play multiple international games in non-consecutive weeks. Teams might have played back-to-back London games, and the Vikings played back-to-back games in London and then Ireland. However, San Francisco will also play in South America and Oceania, making an unprecedented case of traveling in NFL.


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<h2>Travels can harm the team massively</h2>



If the 49ers do end up playing in both Australia and Mexico, the team will end up traveling more than 38,100 miles in 2026. That would be the most ever for a team during a regular season. The 2025 Chargers and 2016 Rams both flied over 37,000 miles, but no team has ever hit the 38,000-mile mark.



This could also imply more fatigue, jet-lag, and less time to recover or treat injuries for the team. For a team that’s always heavily injured, the less travel time you have, the better. For the 49ers, they would get a bad hand to deal with if they end up with two international games.

George Kittle sends clear message on 49ers issues with electrical substation

George Kittle sends clear message on 49ers issues with electrical substation - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">George Kittle</a> did not stay quiet about a theory that has sparked curiosity among many, with Kendrick Bourne also joining the conversation surrounding a substation that could be affecting the San Francisco 49ers.



Kittle took a more measured tone in his comments. “As a professional athlete, you’re doing anything you can to get 1% better… What if there’s something that’s making you 1% worse? If this substation is making you 1% worse, wouldn’t you want to know about it?” Kittle said during an episode with Pat McAfee.



Kittle’s remarks are among the most recent from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">49ers</a> players on the topic, but even Christian McCaffrey had already made comments about the substation weeks earlier. Still, hearing comments from two players on the same day came as a surprise.



<h2>Bourne also spoke about the substation.</h2>



Bourne has few doubts about the substation and admits that he believes in the theory. “I kind of buy it. I’m a conspiracy theorist, so I don’t know. Our grass is brown on that side and the soccer field on the other side is green.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> Kendrick Bourne on whether he buys into the electrical substation theories: "I kind of buy it. I’m a conspiracy theorist, so I don’t know. Our grass is brown on that side and the soccer field on the other side is green. So that kind of trips me out a little bit, but I… <a href="https://t.co/UTkn5Qvr20">pic.twitter.com/UTkn5Qvr20</a>— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/OurSf49ers/status/2019863039814816211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



“So that kind of trips me out a little bit, but I don’t know. There’s so much research they probably have to do, but whatever we can do to help prevent injuries, we’ve got to look into it,” Bourne said, adding that he hopes a deeper analysis of the situation can be done regarding the theory.


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Many people, analysts, doctors, and even reporters, have been discussing the substation theory. Some have pushed back against it, including Brian Sutterer, MD, who said, “I can’t believe this EMF conspiracy is still getting traction,” while others have spoken in favor of one of the theories that has captured growing interest.



“In 2014, the same year the 49ers’ injury issues began, the substation went from a small local plant to a full regional transmission hub, increasing capacity by 2,000%. This is the detail that matters most in this story, in my opinion,” Tristan Scott (@bitcoinand_beef) wrote on X.

George Kittle, Kendrick Bourne give candid take on wild 49ers substation theory after injury plague

George Kittle, Kendrick Bourne give candid take on wild 49ers substation theory after injury plague - Bolavip US

The San Francisco 49ers’ fate this NFL season could have been entirely different, but injuries—many of them severe—derailed those plans. One of the biggest blows was to star tight end <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">George Kittle</a>, who is now generating buzz as a potential candidate to return to the field sooner than expected.



Kittle tore his Achilles on January 11, an injury that typically requires a lengthy recovery and would likely delay his return until late in the year. However, based on his recent comments, there is growing optimism that he could make it back onto the field sooner than initially expected.



“Surgery went really, really good,” Kittle said, via ESPN. “[Dr. Neal ElAttrache] said best-case scenario when you tear an Achilles is that you tear it up high by your soleus, which is what I did. I had a clean tear. They didn’t have to drill into my heel. And where the repair was there’s more blood flow. And so it takes some time off of the recovery time… It’s not as bad as other ones.“



The injury, suffered during the Wild Card Round matchup against the Eagles, was extremely serious, and the player himself revealed that he immediately knew the situation was severe the moment it happened.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/20084818/george-kittle-2-1920x1080.webp" alt="George Kittle San Francisco 49ers" class="wp-image-565535"></figure><figcaption>George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers.</figcaption></figure>



“I knew exactly when it happened, it felt like someone put a shotgun up against my calf and pulled the trigger,” Kittle said. “The second it happened, I knew exactly what it was… Unfortunate, but football’s tough sometimes.”



<h2>How long does it take to recover from a torn ACL?</h2>


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For high-performance athletes, the recovery timeline for an ACL tear typically spans between 9 and 12 months. While some elite competitors may attempt a return to the field within 6 to 8 months due to advanced rehabilitation protocols, experts generally recommend waiting at least 9 months to ensure biological graft maturity and to minimize the high risk of reinjury.



<h2>Time to reset for the San Francisco 49ers</h2>



Heading into the 2026 season, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a> are laser-focused on durability after an injury-plagued campaign that sidelined cornerstone players. The team’s primary goal is to ensure that stars such as Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa or George Kittle can maintain their health throughout the year. 



Alongside this rehabilitation effort, the front office is shifting its attention to the 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> Draft, where the Niners hold the 27th overall pick. With a roster that remains championship-caliber when healthy, the 49ers aim to use the draft to bolster their depth, particularly on the offensive line and in the pass rush, to better protect their stars and build a more resilient squad for another Super Bowl run.

George Kittle reveals significant injury update ahead of 49ers’ next NFL season

George Kittle reveals significant injury update ahead of 49ers’ next NFL season - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a> have battled all season. They have lost many star players to injury at some point such as Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Brock Purdy. Despite this, they were close to winning the NFC West, and George Kittle was a key factor in staying competitive.



However, a loss in Week 18 against the Seahawks changed all their plans. They lost a valuable week of rest and had to face the playoffs on the road. Surprisingly, they overcame their first obstacle by defeating the Eagles.



Now, trying to reach the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>, a rematch with Seattle is looming, but in devastating news, Kittle will not be available. Another heavy blow in a year plagued by injuries across the roster.



<h2>Why is George Kittle not playing today for 49ers against Seahawks in 2026 NFL playoffs?</h2>



George Kittle is not playing today for the 49ers against the Seahawks in the 2026 NFL playoffs because he suffered an Achilles injury last week in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He is out for the rest of the season.


 

 


<h2>Who is out for 49ers against Seahawks in Divisional Round of 2026 NFL playoffs?</h2>



George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Brandon Aiyuk are out for the 49ers against the Seahawks. Their inactives are: Isaac Guerendo (RB), Jordan Watkins (WR), Brandon Parker (OL), Robert Beal Jr. (DL), Kevin Givens (DL), Sebastian Valdez (DL), and Ji’Ayir Brown (S).


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<h2>Who is inactive and out for Seahawks vs 49ers?</h2>



The inactives for the Seattle Seahawks are: Jared Ivey (LB), Josh Jones (T), Bryce Cabeldue (G), Mason Richman (T), and Rylie Mills (DE). Also out are Elijah Arroyo (TE) and Chazz Surratt (LB).

Why is George Kittle not playing today for 49ers vs Seahawks in NFC Divisional Round of 2026 NFL playoffs?

Is Sam Darnold playing today for Seahawks vs 49ers in NFC Divisional Round of 2026 NFL playoffs?

Why are Nick Bosa and Fred Warner not playing today for 49ers vs Seahawks in NFC Divisional Round of 2026 NFL playoffs?

Why is George Kittle not playing today for 49ers vs Seahawks in NFC Divisional Round of 2026 NFL playoffs? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> are defying all odds right now. The fact that they are still alive, won a road playoff game and even overcame a George Kittle torn Achilles injury speaks volumes of their culture. As they prepare to visit the Seattle Seahawks, one name could actually be making his return from injury.



While reports say the 49ers haven’t cleared All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner to return for the game against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-seahawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle</a>, Warner says otherwise. “I’m ready&nbsp;whenever they’re ready,” Warner said on Ryen Russillo’s podcast. “Unfortunately, if it were just up to me, I’d be out there this weekend, but it’s unfortunately not that way. I’ve got to make sure I’m checking all the boxes, and everybody has to give me the OK before they let me go out there.”



It seems like the 49ers are the ones holding Warner back, and they’re been cautious despite being in a win-or-go-home situation against the Seahawks. Warner hasn’t played since Week 6 when he suffered a severe ankle injury.



<h2>The 49ers should consider giving Warner a go</h2>



Obviously, Warner has to go and check all the boxes to assure the team he is fit to play, but he is very important. Warner had 51 tackles, three passes defended and two forced fumbles in only six games this season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/12172822/fred-warner-1920x1080.webp" alt="Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers" class="wp-image-560945"></figure><figcaption>Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers</figcaption></figure>



The four time All-Pro is widely regarded as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>‘s best linebacker. He alone is a game-wrecker due to his ability to read the game, his high IQ and his marvelous tackling. Another huge quality he has is how he covers the field.


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<h2>The 49ers are looking for one more upset</h2>



The Seahawks are a touchdown favorite against the Niners for this game. However, at this point, you can’t count the 49ers out. Even if they don’t have <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Kittle</a>, Shanahan proved that he has a deep playbook to earn yards no matter what.



On the other side, they already beat the Seahawks this season. Albeit in Week 1, the 49ers must still feel capable of pulling off another upset. With an all-time high motivation, they will be dangerous.

49ers receive massive update on key player for Divisional Round matchup vs Seahawks amid George Kittle injury

49ers receive massive update on key player for Divisional Round matchup vs Seahawks amid George Kittle injury - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">George Kittle</a> was ruled out due to an Achilles injury during the final six minutes of the second quarter of the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles, an injury later confirmed by the San Francisco 49ers on X. Fortunately for San Francisco, there is depth on the roster to help cover the position.



Behind Kittle on the 49ers’ depth chart are Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell. Tonges has been productive this season, scoring five touchdowns, while Farrell has recorded 11 receptions for 85 receiving yards and added two touchdowns for the team.



With Kittle sidelined, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">49ers</a> obviously lose a veteran who knows what it takes to play in the postseason. Still, they’re not in the same position as in past seasons, when they had very limited depth available at tight end.



<h2>Eagles fans show respect for Kittle</h2>



In a genuinely classy moment, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-eagles">Eagles</a> fans showed nothing but respect once they realized Kittle was being carted off the field. The scene was reported by John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia on X.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">It appears that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> TE George Kittle just went down with a right Achilles injury. You can see the reverberation. Being carted off: <a href="https://t.co/s0bsBlNg4E">pic.twitter.com/s0bsBlNg4E</a>— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryePulliNFL/status/2010481560332452060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



“Respect. Eagles fans clapping for George Kittle as he is taken off the field on a cart. George said this week he really appreciates how much Eagles fans love their team,” Clark posted on X. Fans in Philadelphia also echoed that sentiment across social media.



NFL insider Ian Rapoport described Kittle’s injury as devastating not only for San Francisco, but for the league as a whole: “Heartbreaking for one of the NFL’s best. George Kittle carted off after a non-contact injury.”

What happened to George Kittle vs Eagles and what’s the 49ers depth chart at TE?

What happened to George Kittle vs Eagles and what's the 49ers depth chart at TE? - Bolavip US

Levi’s Stadium will be set for a marquee showdown as it hosts one of the most important games of NFL Week 18. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a> must defeat the Seattle Seahawks at home if they want to secure the division title, and having key offensive playmakers like George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall available will be crucial to getting the job done.



Brock Purdy knows it won’t be an easy task to take down their division rival—especially if he’s not at full strength with his weapons at his disposal. Ahead of kickoff, the <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-week-18-injury-report-player-statuses-for-all-16-games">NFL’s official website</a> listed both players as questionable, although there is a strong chance that each will be available for the game.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> insider Adam Schefter revealed that Pearsall will be evaluated right up until game time before a final decision is made: “I don’t think they’re gonna make decisions on Ricky Pearsall and Trent Williams until pregame warmups. Both are gonna be tested to go. Both are gonna be challenging. We’ll see if either one can make it back. I think the 49ers are hopeful, but uncertain either one can play.”



Meanwhile, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">George Kittle</a>’s situation appears more optimistic, according to what David Lombardi reported on X. “George Kittle ‘absolutely’ plans to to play Saturday. There was very little doubt before and there is now zero doubt he will be suited up for the biggest game of the season.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260103_BUS_555379_george-kittle-3-1_7aad2631.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="49ers TE George Kittle" class="wp-image-487639" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What injuries are affecting Kittle and Pearsall?</h2>



Ricky Pearsall is currently managing a dual injury to his knee and ankle, both sustained during the Week 15 victory against the Tennessee Titans. While his ankle sprain occurred early in that game, he later aggravated a pre-existing PCL irritation in his knee—an issue that had already sidelined him for six games earlier this season.


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Meanwhile, George Kittle is recovering from a mid-to-low ankle sprain suffered during the Week 16 MNF matchup against the Colts. Kittle was injured in the third quarter following what he described as a “hip-drop” tackle; although he tried to play through it, the ankle stiffened up, forcing him to miss the subsequent game against the Bears.



<h2>The impact of Kittle and Pearsall on the 49ers’ offense</h2>



Despite their recent injuries, both players have been vital to the 49ers’ offensive identity this season. George Kittle remains the engine of the passing game, hauling in 52 receptions for 599 yards and leading the team with 7 touchdowns, averaging 11.5 yards per catch as a premier red-zone threat. 



Also, Ricky Pearsall has emerged as a dangerous deep threat; although he is still searching for his first professional touchdown, his 36 receptions for 528 yards and impressive 14.7 average per catch have provided the vertical stretch the offense needs.

Are George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall playing tonight for 49ers vs Seahawks in Week 18?

Are George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall playing tonight for 49ers vs Seahawks in Week 18? - Bolavip US

As the San Francisco 49ers have already secured a playoff spot this season, they are preparing to face one of the most surprising teams of the regular season: The Chicago Bears. The Bears have delivered an outstanding performance so far and are keen to maintain their momentum in the final games. In their Week 17 matchup against the 49ers, they might face the challenge of playing against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Kittle</a>.



However, George Kittle’s participation in today’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> Week 17 clash between the 49ers and the Bears remains uncertain, as he has been listed as questionable on the latest injury report. He has been dealing with an ankle injury for the past few days, and according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, is “highly unlikely” that he will play.



This game means more than just a victory; the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">49ers</a>‘ position in the standings is also on the line. There are concerns about the implications of a potential loss to the Bears, which is why the fanbase is eagerly anticipating an exciting matchup today.



Meanwhile, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bears" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bears</a>‘ fanbase is similarly concerned about the repercussions of losing to the 49ers in this game. The presence of their best players is crucial, with much at stake for both franchises as they look ahead to next year’s playoffs.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">On the hunt.<a href="https://twitter.com/usbank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usbank</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FTTB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FTTB</a> <a href="https://t.co/Le6NnTkJWz">pic.twitter.com/Le6NnTkJWz</a>— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/49ers/status/2005085126439694602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>49ers full injury report</h2>



In addition to Kittle, Ricky Pearsall is also in doubt for an appearance in today’s game against the Bears, according to the injury report. Here is the full injury report for the 49ers:


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/49ers-could-get-brock-purdys-star-teammate-back-for-the-playoffs-after-expected-2025-absence"></div>


<ul><li>Out: QB <a href="https://www.nfl.com/players/kurtis-rourke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kurtis Rourke</a> (knee), CB <a href="https://www.nfl.com/players/renardo-green/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renardo Green</a> (neck)</li><li>Questionable: WR <a href="https://www.nfl.com/players/ricky-pearsall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ricky Pearsall</a> (knee/ankle), TE <a href="https://www.nfl.com/players/george-kittle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Kittle</a> (ankle)</li></ul>



<h2>Bears’ full injury report</h2>



The Bears approach this matchup with several key players listed as questionable, including Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who is an important player that might miss today’s game against the 49ers.



Here is the full injury report for the Bears:



<ul><li>Out: WR Rome Odunze (foot), CB Nick McCloud (illness)</li><li>Questionable: RT Darnell Wright (illness), OG Luke Newman (foot), LB T.J. Edwards (glute), CB Josh Blackwell (illness), CB Nahshon Wright (hamstring/illness), S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (knee)</li></ul>

Is George Kittle playing today for 49ers vs Bears in 2025 NFL Week 17?

Is George Kittle playing today for 49ers vs Bears in 2025 NFL Week 17? - Bolavip US

The playoffs are now a reality for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a>, and their Monday Night Football win over the Colts opened the door for three other teams to clinch a postseason berth. George Kittle was one of the night’s standout performers, though he was unable to finish the game at full strength.



Midway through the second quarter of the game, the TE suffered a scare when one of his ankles appeared to get caught in the turf while running a route. Defensive coverage and the artificial surface were among the factors that may have contributed to the setback.



“My concern level? I don’t think it’s a high-ankle sprain, so we’ll take it one day at a time and go from there,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">Kittle</a> said during his press conference. “It happened in the second quarter. I feel like I got hip dropped, ankle got stuck in the grass or the turf, the cork turf, really weird field. 



“Tried to tape it up, went in in the third quarter, really got worse from there. If I can’t run very fast or plant I think it’s better to have other tight ends in there making plays.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">George Kittle – Aggravated a left ankle sprain here while trying to cut. Pretty sure he injured it earlier in the game and has been trying to play through it. Feeling it out on the sideline now but deemed Questionable <a href="https://t.co/k7LfpqNHdY">pic.twitter.com/k7LfpqNHdY</a>— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmthrivept/status/2003309375637889321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>George Kittle’s season in the Bay</h2>



George Kittle continues to be a vital asset for the San Francisco 49ers’ offense this season, showcasing his elite playmaking ability and reliability. With 52 receptions for 599 receiving yards, he has consistently moved the chains while maintaining a solid average of 11.5 yards per catch. 


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Furthermore, his 7 touchdowns highlight his efficiency as a premier red-zone threat, proving once again why he remains one of the most dominant tight ends in the league.



<h2>The race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed</h2>



The San Francisco 49ers control their own destiny in a high-stakes race for the NFC West and the conference’s top seed. Currently battling the Seahawks, Rams, Eagles and Bears for positioning, San Francisco will look to capitalize on its final two games at Levi’s Stadium. 



By hosting both the Bears and the Seahawks at home, the 49ers have a golden opportunity to leapfrog their rivals and secure home-field advantage for the postseason.

George Kittle provides major injury update following 49ers’ MNF victory

George Kittle provides major injury update following 49ers’ MNF victory - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">George Kittle</a> has tallied 396 yards and contributed five touchdowns in his eight appearances this 2025 season. While his solid numbers have helped the team win, the tight end still can’t believe how far he and the San Francisco 49ers have advanced this year given the extensive injuries they’ve faced.



“If people had said that you guys were going to be 9-4 into the bye and you weren’t going to have [Fred] Warner, [Nick] Bosa, Kittle was going to miss five weeks, and Brock [Purdy] was going to miss the first 6-7 weeks, I think a lot of people would have laughed,” Kittle said after the win against the Browns.



Kittle’s sentiment is understandable; with so many teammates injured, including himself, reaching this level of success wasn’t the expectation this year. However, it’s a challenge the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">49ers</a> have been managing for some time, and they have historically reached the playoffs despite similar issues.



<h2>Kyle Shanahan echoes Kittle’s relief</h2>



Following the Browns game, Kyle Shanahan also spoke about how tough the weeks have been leading up to the Bye Week and the chance to finally rest, especially with a 9-4 record that offers the team some peace of mind.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> HC Kyle Shanahan on the team being 9-4 &amp; finally getting to their bye week: “I love where we’re at right now. I believe we’d be in the playoffs today if it started. It’s been a long wait for a bye week — I’ve never had one this late; I don’t know if anyone on our team has… <a href="https://t.co/kNhNQEfr1X">pic.twitter.com/kNhNQEfr1X</a>— 49ers &amp; NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/49ersSportsTalk/status/1995242443315568669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



“I love where we’re at right now. I believe we’d be in the playoffs today if it started. It’s been a long wait for a bye week — I’ve never had one this late; I don’t know if anyone on our team has — but it’s finally here. Mentally and physically it’ll be awesome to rest, and then be able to come back from that with four games to play and a chance to get into the playoffs.”


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<h2>The 49ers’ remaining schedule</h2>



The final four games of the regular season look quite manageable for the 49ers. After the bye week, they will play the Titans at home (one of their last two home games of the regular season). Their other remaining opponents are the Colts, Bears, and Seahawks.

George Kittle fires off message of disbelief about the 49ers’ 9-4 start

George Kittle fires off message of disbelief about the 49ers’ 9-4 start - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">George Kittle</a> didn’t hold back after Brock Purdy’s return, calling his presence “elite” and praising the way the quarterback commands the huddle. “How he talks to the players. He plays with a joy that’s so infectious,” Kittle said, describing a spark that immediately lifted San Francisco’s offense. “It’s so much fun to play football with him.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/christian-mccaffrey">Christian McCaffrey</a> echoed that energy, saying Purdy stepped back onto the field like he’d never been gone. “He was vintage Brock. That’s a huge compliment,” McCaffrey said, pointing to the poise and precision Purdy brought to the 41–22 win. “To miss games like that and come back in the middle of the year is extremely impressive.”



Both stars made it clear: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brock-purdy">Purdy</a>’s return changed the tone of the locker room and the confidence of the offense. Between his “infectious joy” and his “vintage” decision-making, the 49ers felt their rhythm return instantly. And based on what unfolded in Arizona, their belief in him was more than justified.



<h2>Purdy, Shanahan react after statement win</h2>



Purdy himself admitted the moment meant more than just another Sunday. “I would just say a lot of excitement,” he said after throwing for 200 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and taking just one sack. Returning in his home state made it even more emotional: “My comeback is here, where I grew up in Arizona, which is special.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">"I would just say a lot of excitement. I&apos;m always excited every Sunday, but to come back after missing six weeks… My comeback is here, where I grew up in Arizona, which is special. All that mattered was playing together as a team and getting the dub. I&apos;m just excited that we… <a href="https://t.co/jQqdb8uiNL">pic.twitter.com/jQqdb8uiNL</a>— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1990222720077087017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



He emphasized that the performance wasn’t about individual numbers, even though his efficiency told the story of the night. “All that mattered was playing together as a team and getting the dub,” Purdy said, proud of how the offense executed from start to finish. The 49ers moved to 7–4 overall and 5–2 on the road with the win.


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Kyle Shanahan didn’t compare Purdy to anyone else, because he didn’t feel he needed to. “You just have to look at his numbers and stuff throughout his career. Not many people have done it better than him,” Shanahan said. He highlighted Purdy’s consistency: “He’s been as efficient as anyone and made as many big plays as anyone.”

George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey detail what made Brock Purdy’s return feel different

George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey detail what made Brock Purdy’s return feel different - Bolavip US

Kittle and McCaffrey detail what made Purdy’s return feel different

After the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a>’ home loss to the Los Angeles Rams, veteran tight end George Kittle wasn’t shying away from expectations. “We are incredibly talented, and we still have guys coming back,” Kittle said, maintaining confidence in a roster built for a deep run. “Mac’s been playing so well, so people are talking about controversy, but Brock’s an amazing quarterback, and that’s why we paid him so much money.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle">Kittle</a>, who has played in 12 postseason games across four years but still chases his first ring, believes this group has everything needed to compete again. “At some point, we’ll get Ricky and Brandon back,” he noted. “We have a lot of talent. We can score a ton of points, and I believe our defense will get a little bit better every single week.”



The 49ers have made the playoffs three times in the last five years, with their most recent deep run coming in 2023 when they reached Super Bowl LVIII before falling to the Chiefs. Despite the setback this season, Kittle’s message was clear, the 49ers aren’t backing down, and their playoff push is far from over.



<h2>Is there still a path to the playoffs for the 49ers this season?</h2>



The 49ers’ situation isn’t catastrophic; a 6-4 record is not the end of the world, but they must find a way to win more games. The recent crushing loss at home was painful and shattered the momentum they had built in Week 9 after winning on the road against the Giants.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“We are incredibly talented, and we still have guys coming back. Mac’s been playing so well, so people are talking about controversy, but Brock’s an amazing quarterback, and that’s why we paid him so much money. At some point, we’ll get Ricky and Brandon back. We have a lot of… <a href="https://t.co/Vb6qaBdhvw">pic.twitter.com/Vb6qaBdhvw</a>— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1987697525139320864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



Following the game against the Rams, the 49ers face three “easy” games before their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> bye week: the Cardinals, Panthers, and Browns. These matchups should be perfect opportunities for Kittle and his teammates to secure wins and head into the break with a winning streak under their belts.


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“If the 49ers manage to get to the playoffs it’s going to have to be 100% on the shoulders of the offense. Put up 30+ a game and hope to outlast. Luckily, they still have some very winnable games ahead,” wrote Dontay Atkinson of ReachNorth Media on X.

George Kittle sends warning about 49ers’ playoff chances after tough home loss to Rams

George Kittle sends warning about 49ers' playoff chances after tough home loss to Rams - Bolavip US

Kittle sends warning about 49ers playoff chances after tough home loss to Rams

Each year, several players suffer tough injuries — it’s part of the game. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Kittle</a> believes the NFL has not taken proper care of players’ health, even though it could.



Football, as a contact sport, cannot completely avoid injuries — players understand that. Nevertheless, injuries have become more frequent in recent years, and George Kittle believes he knows the reason behind it.



The star tight end of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> recently addressed the multiple injuries his team has suffered. He thinks the NFL should pay more attention to the fields, their conditions, and how players can better prepare for each game.



<h2>George Kittle believes the NFL should standardize playing surfaces</h2>



In the NFL, there are 15 stadiums with synthetic turf and 15 with natural grass. The Jets and Giants share MetLife Stadium, and the Chargers and Rams share SoFi Stadium — both with turf.



According to George Kittle, this is the main reason why more and more players are getting injured. The star tight end doesn’t believe turf is inherently bad, but switching every week between synthetic and natural grass could be the reason behind the increase in severe injuries in recent years.



Kittle has a point. Players usually train on the playing surface of their home stadium, and when they travel to play on a different surface, they often have to change cleats or adjust their preparation. This inconsistency prevents them from having a standardized way to train and perform each week.


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“My only issue is with is, like, when someone’s field is, like, the butt of a joke throughout all of social media, constantly, like on every NFL meme page, everybody jokes about how bad it is, I feel like at that point, someone should just take a look at it, and let’s not make it a — no NFL field should be the butt of a joke, ever,” George Kittle said about MetLife Stadium’s surface.



Mykel Williams of the 49ers is the perfect example. Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers, uses natural grass. This weekend, they visited the Giants at MetLife Stadium, and the rookie defensive end had to leave the game due to a torn ACL, probably due to not preparing correctly for synthetic turf.



<h2>Natural grass or synthetic turf — what will the NFL choose first for all stadiums?</h2>



Standardizing all 30 NFL stadiums is a very challenging task. Some use natural grass due to favorable weather conditions, while others prefer synthetic turf because it’s easier to maintain.



If the NFL ever decides to standardize the playing surface, it’s more likely to be synthetic turf. Not all venues have the proper weather conditions to sustain natural grass, especially those located in rainy or snowy regions.

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49ers TE George Kittle calls out NFL over lack of care for players’ health - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> have a Sunday Night Football showdown against the Atlanta Falcons. After being plagued by injuries, the team from the Bay is still awaiting for names, to recover. Among those, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are some of the players who people are wondering if they’ll show up for the game.



Good news for tight end <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/george-kittle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Kittle</a>, who was activated from IR after missing five weeks due to a hamstring injury and will play tonight vs. the Falcons. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also said he won’t have any limitations and won’t have a pitch count either.



Kittle is a key part of the offense so it’s really important for him to be able to provide support for the quarterback on short routes. However, Kittle is also one of the best blocking tight ends in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>. His support goes beyond just catching passes.



<h2>Is Ricky Pearsall suiting up vs. Atlanta?</h2>



Ricky Pearsall is one of the team’s best wide receivers but a knee injury has limited his output this season. The Niners had luck with Kittle, but Pearsall was ruled out for the game against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-falcons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falcons</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251019_BUS_511743_ricky-pearsall-1024x576_a2559b60.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Ricky Pearsall #1 of the San Francisco 49ers" class="wp-image-498507" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ricky Pearsall #1 of the San Francisco 49ers</figcaption></figure>



Pearsall has a PCL injury in his right knee and the 49ers want him healthy down the stretch so they won’t risk him suffering another blow that could potentially sideline him even further. Plus, wideout Kendrick Bourne has been very good in Pearsall’s absence, making the Niners confident on their roster to let their player recover properly.


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<h2>Is Jauan Jennings playing against the Falcons?</h2>



Another wide receiver that has been dealing with injuries is Jauan Jennings. However, his output may be in question. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jennings is playing with five broken ribs, high and low ankle sprains and he barely recovered from a calf injury suffered in preseason.



While Jennings will play, he clearly won’t be playing at 100% capacities. With how the team has suffered this season due to injuries, Jennings is going way beyond his call of duty. Jennings is also looking for a new contract and playing injured could play against him stats wise. Having said that, the 49ers should appreciate Jennings’ effort and repay him.

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Are George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings playing tonight for 49ers vs Falcons on SNF? - Bolavip US

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