A month after suffering a broken bone in his leg, San Francisco star Tate & George Keatel, 49, believes he is close to returning.
“They said eight weeks; I said six,” Kettle said Tuesday, via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Macoco. “And I’m excited. These last few days have definitely moved forward and made me very optimistic about returning to the field of play.
“When I first got hurt, my mentality was that I would come back. And I continue to have that mentality because I definitely feel like I’m going to be on the field here as soon as possible.”
Kittle was injured in the 8th inning on November 8th. The typical injury was a fractured cuboid bone, which sits outside the pink toe and attaches to the ankle to provide stability.
“What I can really learn is that breaking is the hardest bone in your leg, and you basically have to do it intentionally or in a car accident,” Kittle said. “So I don’t know if that means I’m unlucky if I need to slow down once in a while.
“The good news is that healing in your legs is obviously the easiest bone, and it’s definitely doing a good job. Thank you, I have great instructors and great [physical therapy] Guys. They are the ones that are bringing me back and healthy. And I think we’re still doing a wonderful job. “
Niners coach Kyle Shanah said he expects both Kittle and QB Jimmy Garoppolo to return by the end of the season. Both players went on a trip to Arizona, where the COVID-19 ban drove them out of Santa Clara, after which 49 people set up shop.
“I’ve been waiting for Jimmy for the last two weeks,” Shanah said. “Even with the kettle. I think they’re both in the same boat. There’s no guarantee of how they’ll react here in the next few weeks, but they’re starting to get into it. This is hopefully the last two weeks.” , Whether it’s two games or one game or nothing. “
Kittle’s comments suggest he is pushing for a more optimistic timeline.
With Sunday’s win over the LA Rams, the San Francisco (6-.) Is poised to swipe a potential final playoff spot ahead of its Week 13 prime-time bout against the Buffalo Bills.
Despite playing just six games this season – none after 8 weeks – Kittle remains the 49ers ’leading receiver with 494 yards – Rookie Brandon is second with Ayuk 446 – which speaks to both the importance of TE and the spots of injuries. San Francisco deals in 2020.
