49ers' George Kittle Says He'll Return from Hamstring Injury vs. Packers in Week 12

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle confirmed he'll play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

The five-time Pro Bowler told reporters he "can't pass up playing the Packers."

Kittle was absent in San Francisco's 20-17 Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks because of a hamstring injury.

A hamstring issue also sidelined him in Week 3, when the Niners fell 27-24 to the Los Angeles Rams.

Kittle leads the team in receptions (43) and touchdown grabs (seven) and he's second behind Jauan Jennings in receiving yards (560). His 70 yards per game are on pace to be his highest since 2020.

San Francisco's passing game has been operating short-handed all season. First-round draft Ricky Pearsall missed the start of the season. Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL in October. Kittle had his hamstring trouble. And Deebo Samuel was briefly hospitalized for pneumonia.

With Kittle coming back, the unit is at least back to what's full strength now as Aiyuk is unavailable for the remainder of the year.

Quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to play against Green Bay as well while he works through some shoulder soreness in his throwing arm.

That's good news for the 49ers as they look to earn a big victory over a fellow rival in the NFC playoff race.