Analysis

Kittle's contract runs through 2025, and while the 49ers may be wary of committing to the 31-year-old beyond the next few years, they'll likely work toward a deal that gives him guarantees for the upcoming season and 2026 while reducing his 2025 cap hit ($22.02 million). Kittle recently revealed that he played with cracked ribs for much of 2024, although it wasn't evident in his performance -- he had the second-most receiving yards (1,106) and second-most TDs (eight) of his eight-year career while posting personal bests for catch rate (83.0 percent) and yards per target (11.8). He did miss two games, due to separate hamstring injuries, and played just 29 percent of snaps in the season finale. In his 14 full games, Kittle fell shy of 40 yards just once and scored double-digit PPR points 12 times, leading tight ends in fantasy points per game in both PPR and standard-scoring formats.

Analysis

Kittle took a backseat to several teammates in a meaningless game to close out a disappointing year for San Francisco. The superstar tight end has little blame to place on himself after churning out another All-Pro worthy season for fantasy managers. He ranked third among tight ends in receiving yards (1,106) while finishing second in touchdowns (eight). The YAC monster also posted a healthy 14.2 average reception distance in an overall stellar campaign. Kittle will be entering the fifth and final year of his current contract as the 49ers look to bounce back from a 6-11 record in 2025.

Analysis

Kittle has been a regular on 49ers practice reports this season, with ankle and hamstring injuries capping him to a pair of limited sessions during Week 18 prep. He'll avoid missing his third game of the season Sunday, but he won't be working with No. 1 QB Brock Purdy (elbow). Instead, Joshua Dobbs will be under center, while Kittle will be taking on a Cardinals defense that allowed him to go for 8-64-1 on 12 targets back in Week 5.

Analysis

Kittle returned to a limited practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. He doesn't have anything to play for in terms of playoff implications or contract incentives, but that doesn't mean he won't give it a go ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.

Analysis

One day removed from not practicing due to ankle and hamstring issues, Kittle was back on the field, albeit with a cap on his reps. The 49ers may tag the tight end with an injury designation once they post their final Week 18 injury report Friday, but if he's ultimately able to suit up Sunday at Arizona, he'll be working with Joshua Dobbs under center instead of typical No. 1 option Brock Purdy, who is dealing a contusion and nerve inflammation in his right throwing elbow.

Analysis

Kittle has missed two games this season due to health concerns, but it's unclear if he's in danger of sitting out again Sunday at Arizona. He's put together three 100-yard efforts in the last four contests en route to a 26-430-0 line on 30 targets during that stretch. Ultimately, the next two days of practice likely will determine whether or not Kittle will have a chance to build on his recent hot streak this weekend.

Analysis

Kittle was able to crack the century mark in receiving yards in consecutive games and for the third time over his last four appearances. Monday's strong showing also propelled the superstar tight end to his fourth 1,000-yard season in eight years as a pro. Kittle will look to put a bow on a stellar fantasy campaign Week 18 against the Cardinals, but he may be without the services of starting quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) after the latter exited Monday's loss late due to injury.

Analysis

Kittle led the 49ers in receiving Sunday en route to his third game with 100 or more receiving yards this season. The star tight end brought his season line up to 68-967-8 in 13 starts, putting him just 33 yards shy of his fourth career 1,000-yard campaign. Kittle has a great shot at reaching that achievement in Week 17 when the 49ers host the Lions for Monday Night Football.

Analysis

Kittle co-led the 49ers in receptions while comfortably setting the pace in receiving yards. While the talented tight end's performance was nowhere near the caliber of the season-best 151-yard effort he put up against the Bears in Week 14, he's now eclipsed 60 receiving yards in five of the last seven contests heading into a Week 16 road matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 22.