Kyle Shanahan spoke about the status of former Iowa TE George Kittle’s groin injury. He is currently listed as questionable, and didn’t practice on Thursday.

The San Francisco 49ers’ season opens with the Chicago Bears on Sept. 11, and Shanahan hopes that he will have his star TE back for that game. Kittle has only played for the 49ers since coming to the NFL in 2017. Shanahan really wants Kittle to be available for the Bears game per The Athletic’s David Lombardi.

Kittle appeared in 14 games for the 49ers last season. He had 910 yards receiving with 6 touchdowns in 2021. The 49ers made it all the way to the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, but lost 20-17. The Rams would go on to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl.

Some changes could be happening in San Francisco this season. Former NDSU QB Trey Lance is expected to be the starter in Week 1, so Kittle may have a different arm throwing the ball this season.