Packers vs. 49ers: George Kittle doesn’t practice Wednesday

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle reportedly didn’t practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury, which is something to watch ahead of the NFC Championship Game this weekend.

Both the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers are expected to be close to full strength in this week’s NFC Championship Game.

However, there was one surprise on the 49ers’ injury report on Wednesday.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, tight end George Kittle didn’t practice due to an ankle injury.

It’s unknown what the exact injury is, and the decision to keep him out of practice could simply be precautionary. I’m sure 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will be asked about Kittle’s status during his next press conference.

Of course, this is something to watch closely.

Kittle is arguably the best tight end in all of football, and if he is out or even limited in this game, it could have a huge impact.

Kittle dominated the Week 12 matchup between these two teams, catching six passes for 129 yards and a 61-yard touchdown. The Packers saw up close just how good he is earlier in the season, and covering him will be one of the top priorities for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine this week.

Unless it’s a serious injury, it’s hard to imagine Kittle will miss this game considering how important it is. He’s only missed three games in his first three seasons in the league and has put up over 1,000 yards receiving in the previous two.

The 49ers’ first injury report will be released later today. The Packers have already released theirs, and it includes 13 players, although no player missed practice due to an injury. Wide receiver Geronimo Allison sat out of practice due to illness.

Kittle’s status for this game will be something to watch in the next few days.