That doesn't mean the New York Jets won't have to game plan for him, though.
"Kittle, he's battling," Shanahan told reporters before Wednesday's practice. "We thought it would be alright. He woke up the next day a little sore. He fully expects to be there Sunday, like he always does. Just like he always plays through the game when it happens."
Kittle suffered a knee sprain on a hit from safety Budda Baker during Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
"We'll give him the whole week," Shanahan continued. "I always love getting them out there on Friday. We'll see how that goes. Friday is just a walk-through anyways, but Kittle is one guy that if he's ready to go on Sunday, and the doctors say he's good to go, we have no problem with him going without practicing."
Other players who will not practice on Wednesday are wide receiver Richie James (hamstring) and cornerbacks Jason Verrett (hamstring) and Ahkello Witherspoon (concussion).
Cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) was placed on short-term injured reserve, which means missing at least the next three games. Practice squad cornerback Tim Harris Jr. also landed on injured reserve after suffering a calf strain during practice last week.
Shanahan noted that rookie Brandon Aiyuk and center Ben Garland would be limited during Wednesday's practice.
"I'm optimistic about [them playing]," Shanahan said of the two.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' George Kittle recalls Kyle Shanahan challenging him to a fight
San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle shared a hilarious offseason story involving head coach Kyle Shanahan during an appearance on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast. The lighthearted tale centered on a vacation challenge from Shanahan—one that didn't exactly go... -
George Kittle praises 49ers' handling of Brandon Aiyuk situation
San Francisco 49ers veterans aren't required to report to training camp until Saturday, but tight end George Kittle arrived early to begin preparing for the 2026 season. Players recovering from injury (Kittle is coming off a torn Achilles) typically arrive early. The biggest... -
George Kittle's latest recovery video should get 49ers fans hyped
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during a playoff game in January. Just six months later, the All-Pro appears well on his way to being ready for the start of the 2026 season. On Friday, strength and conditioning coach Josh Cuthbert shared a... -
Schefter on 49ers TE George Kittle's Week 1 return: 'I don't think it's a given'
All signs continue to point toward San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle achieving his goal of returning for Week 1 of the 2026 season, when the 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. Kittle is just six months removed from suffering a torn Achilles during San...