San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kettle returned to practice on Thursday and said he expects to play on Sunday night football against the Green Bay Packers.

Kittle has missed the last two games while dealing with a knee and ankle injury that he suffered on October 31st against the Arizona Cardinals. After practice, Kittle said that practice went really well and he was excited to be back on the field with his teammates.

“It went really well,” Kittle said via ESPN. “It was definitely a step in the right direction. It was really fun being back out there with the guys. I definitely don't miss sitting in the training room all day, so definitely a good step in the right direction and the goal is definitely still Green Bay.”

Article Continues Below
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers star Nick Bosa against the Cardinals on January 5, 2025.
49ers star Nick Bosa heaps rare praise on first-round rookieJaren Kawada ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
ESPN gives 49ers, Bears, Patriots best chance of biggest turnaroundDouglas Fritz ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, confers with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during the teamís rookie minicamp.
49ers rumors: How World Cup could cost San Francisco $37 millionJackson Stone ·
NFC defensive end Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers (left) with brother and AFC linebacker Joey Bosa during the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse
How long 49ers’ Nick Bosa thought Joey Bosa would team up with himJaren Kawada ·
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7)during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Insider gives ‘bouncy’ Christian McCaffrey, 49ers updateLorenzo J Reyna ·
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Trent Williams’ on field return will have 49ers fans hypedLorenzo J Reyna ·

During the part of the practice that was open to the public Kittle was wearing a blue no-contact jersey and was officially listed as questionable but it's a good step in the right direction that he was out there with his teammates.

On Wednesday, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan made it sound like Kittle would be a game-time decision, but if it's up to Kittle he will be out on the field. Packers-49ers is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season and Kittle said the entire team is ready.

“This is what you practice for, this is what you put all the hard work in OTAs and the offseason, summer, to be in big-time games,” Kittle said. “We're looking forward to it.”