George Kittle's absence was telling as the San Francisco 49ers suffered a shock defeat to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday to fall to 5-5.

There will be no chance, however, of him missing the Week 12 matchup with the Green Bay Packers that is crucial to the 49ers' diminishing hopes of reaching the playoffs.

Kittle sat out the 20-17 loss to Seattle with hamstring irritation

He will be limited in Wednesday's practice, but the All-Pro tight end removed any doubt over his status when speaking to the media in the locker room beforehand.

"I will be playing on Sunday," Kittle said. 

"Very excited. Can't pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure. Get to practice today. It will be very fun and exciting."

Without Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy struggled to find many other passing game outlets against a surprisingly stout Seattle defense.

He targeted Jauan Jennings 10 times for 10 receptions, 93 yards and a touchdown as the wideout saw another historic display in his breakout season go to waste.

Alongside Jennings, Kittle is the weapon with whom Purdy has the best rapport following Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending knee injury.

Additionally, he has proven to be Purdy's most effective target in the red zone, an area in which the 49ers have suffered an almighty drop-off in 2024.

All seven of Kittle's touchdowns this season have come from inside the 20. Jennings (3) is the only other player to score from inside the 20 as a receiver.

Against a dynamic Packers team that can catch fire on offense at anytime with Jordan Love under center, the 49ers will likely need Kittle to help them finish drives as they look to keep their season alive.

49ers’ first injury report for Week 12 game with Packers offers little clarity around Nick Bosa’s status

It’ll be a few days before we’ll have an idea.