Is George Kittle Playing Tonight? Latest Injury Update on 49ers TE for Week 18

After missing Week 17 due to injury, San Francisco 49ers fans are hoping for the return of star tight end George Kittle in the crucial Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The game is crucial for the 49ers, as a win would secure the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Kittle’s Injury Status

Kittle missed Week 17 due to a hamstring injury that forced him to leave early in the Week 16 game. However, he has shown significant progress this week, participating in three limited practices after a week of no participation in the prior week.

Despite this improvement, Kittle is still listed as questionable for Week 18. Here’s what we know about his chances of suiting up for the game:

Will George Kittle Play Tonight?

UPDATE: The 49ers have not elevated a tight end from the practice squad for tonight’s game against the Seahawks, signaling that Kittle will most likely play.

In Week 17, when Kittle was out, the 49ers elevated tight end Brayden Willis to give them extra depth at the position. However, no such move was made this week, which strongly suggests that Kittle will be available to play.

END OF UPDATE

According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Kittle “absolutely” expects to play on Saturday night against the Seahawks. When asked about how he’s feeling, Kittle expressed confidence, saying, “Fabulous. Great position for Saturday night to punch a one seed. So just with that, I’m doing fantastic.”

Final confirmation of Kittle’s status will come an hour and a half before the Seahawks and 49ers kick off on Saturday night.

The Importance of Kittle’s Return

Kittle’s return is vital for the 49ers, who can lock up the NFC West and No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win over the Seahawks in Week 18. Kittle has missed a few games this season but remains one of the NFL’s top tight ends when healthy.

In 2025, Kittle has tallied 599 yards and seven touchdowns in the 10 games he has played. If you extrapolate his average of 59.9 yards per game over a full 17-game season, Kittle would have surpassed 1,000 yards — showcasing his elite status in the NFL.

Kittle’s presence in the lineup will not only bolster the 49ers’ offense but also provide additional protection to key players like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey. His ability to change the course of a game with a single catch or block cannot be understated, and the 49ers will need him at his best for the playoffs.

Kittle’s Role in the 49ers’ Playoff Push

With the stakes high for Week 18, having Kittle in the lineup will help the 49ers execute their game plan against the Seahawks. His ability to make plays both in the passing game and as a blocker is vital for the 49ers, who rely on their tight end to open up lanes for their running backs and provide a safety net for quarterback Brock Purdy.

As one of the top performers in the league, Kittle’s leadership, physicality, and clutch performances are essential for San Francisco’s playoff aspirations. His return will give the team an added sense of confidence as they head into the postseason.

Conclusion

With just a few days left before the game, all signs point to George Kittle playing in Week 18. His return will be a significant boost to the 49ers as they aim to secure the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the conference. Kittle’s elite talent and leadership will be key factors in San Francisco’s bid to make a deep playoff run. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the final confirmation, but it’s looking like the 49ers’ star tight end will be back on the field when it matters most.