Winslow Townson / Associated Press
The San Francisco 49ers tight end, George Kittle, will return from a foot injury to play on Saturday of week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Head coach of the Niners, Kyle Shanahan announced the news from Thursday, but noted that Kittle will be on a “field count”
It was a season full of injuries for the 27-year-old, who was placed in reserve after breaking a foot bone in week 8. He also suffered a knee injury that cost him two games earlier in the year.
Despite the setback, Kittle remained focused on getting back on the field as quickly as possible.
“When I got hurt the first time, my mentality was that I will be back,” he said in early December, according to NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco. “And I will continue to maintain that mentality because I definitely feel that I will be out here sooner or later.”
Iowa’s product remains an elite player in its position, totaling 37 receptions for 474 yards and two touchdowns in six games this season.
He’s been one of the NFL’s best tight ends since 2018, totaling at least 85 receptions, 1,000 reception yards and five points in each of the past two seasons. He was named an All-Pro of the main team in 2019.
Veteran Jordan Reed handled more snaps with Kittle unavailable, but the 49ers is much better with the ace on the pitch.