Kittle's Week 11 status unclear, Staley sidelined after finger surgery
George Kittle hasn't been ruled out for Week 11, but San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has to plan as though he will not be available, a team spokesperson clarified Wednesday, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.
Shanahan had inadvertently said the star tight end would miss his second straight game while talking to reporters.
Additionally, Shanahan said the 49ers expect to be without Joe Staley for multiple weeks after the left tackle underwent finger surgery, according to Maiocco.
Kittle, who's battling knee and ankle injuries, sat out Week 10 as the 49ers fell to the Seattle Seahawks in overtime on Monday Night Football for their first loss this season. The 26-year-old has 46 catches for 541 yards and two touchdowns in eight outings this year.
Staley, 35, missed six contests earlier this season after breaking his fibula in September.
Rookie Justin Skule is "most likely" to start at left tackle while Staley is sidelined, Shanahan said. Former first-round pick Mike McGlinchey will likely remain at right tackle.
The 49ers face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.