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49ers Star Player Provides Amazing News on His Status Against the Packers

Sounds like the 49ers will have this star player back when they face the Packers in Week 12.

Jose Luis Sanchez III

Nov 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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All hands on deck will be needed when the 49ers face the Packers in Week 12.

The margin for error is little to none at this point. They have to start winning games or face the reality of missing the playoffs. Thankfully, one 49ers star player provided amazing news on his status against the Packers on Sunday.

That star player is none other than George Kittle. He was inactive in Week 11 against the Seahawks with a hamstring issue. His absence played a part in the 49ers losing that game since he's been their best offensive player this season. Kittle likely realizes that which is why he declared on Wednesday that he is playing against Green Bay.

"I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited," Kittle said confidently. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so I will be out there for sure. Get to practice today and it will be very fun and exciting."

Kittle was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's practice. He's got a great chance to return this week if that status is maintained. No other player has impacted the 49ers offense more than Kittle. What he does as a run blocker aids so much in the efficiency of running outside the tackles. More importantly, he's been a force in the passing game for Brock Purdy, especially in the red zone.

According to Next Gen Stats, Kittle has recorded team-highs in nearly every receiving category inside the red zone. He has the most routes run (49), receptions (13), yards (87) and touchdowns (7) this season. Kittle has generated +4.4 receptions over expected inside the red zone, the most by a receiver in a season since 2022.

It's safe to say that the offense should operate more smoothly with him back. Hopefully, he is near full strength when he plays against the Packers. His inactivity against the Seahawks was likely a precaution since he was dealing with a hamstring issue.

Those are always a tricky injury to handle and playing with it generates too much risk. Kittle better have enjoyed his time off and recovered because it is full steam ahead from here. He will need to shoulder a large burden and be active with the 49ers in desperation mode.

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Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ III

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.

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