49ers TE George Kittle plans to return from injury vs. Falcons

The San Francisco 49ers might finally have some good news on the injury front.

Six-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle told reporters Thursday that he plans on playing Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. He was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday.

Kittle has been out since the season opener after the 49ers placed him on the injured reserve list with a right hamstring injury. He revealed to the media that his hamstring was fully torn, although it didn't tear off the bone.

"I just felt like a rubber band snapped in my hamstring," Kittle said. "I was like, ‘Ah, I've just got to go to the locker room after that one.'"

Kittle's practice window opened this week, and he has a full 21 days to return. He said he wanted to wait until he was 100 percent before coming back, although the star pass-catcher acknowledged his status for Sunday depends on head coach Kyle Shanahan.

"It's up to him," Kittle said. "But, hopefully, I'm out there. Which I think I will be."

Jake Tonges has filled in during Kittle's absence, recording 25 catches for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Tonges also made the game-winning catch against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.

Kittle's impending return offers the 49ers a bit of respite from the injury bug. San Francisco has lost multiple stars for the season, including defensive lineman Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. The 49ers have also been without key pieces such as starting quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Brandon Aiyuk for large chunks of the campaign.

Purdy, who has missed the last two games after aggravating his toe injury, and Mac Jones (knee/oblique) were back on the field for the start of practice Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf) did not practice Thursday, along with defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring).

Despite the bad injury luck, the 49ers (4-2) are tied atop the NFC West.

--Field Level Media