George Kittle injury: 49ers TE injures ankle, does not return in Week 16

Final update: The game ended without Kittle returning to the game. He never went to the blue tent, which is a plus, but he’ll likely get his ankle evaluated Monday night and into Tuesday.

Update, 6:20 remaining in the fourth quarter: The 49ers offense returned after the defense stopped the Colts and Kittle remains sidelined. The 49ers scored a touchdown on the previous drive and with a two touchdown lead, it’s safe to say Kittle’s night is done.

Update, 12:41 remaining in fourth quarter: The 49ers offense went back on the field but Kittle remained on the sideline. He has his helmet on and has not gone to the blue medical tent, but he has officially missed snaps. Luke Farrell replaced him in the starting lineup.

The San Francisco 49ers offense took a hit in their Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Tight end George Kittle was seen limping off the field in the third quarter and ESPN reported that he is questionable to return with an ankle injury.

Kittle has not gone to the blue medical tent yet, and is instead working to loosen up and get ready for the next 49ers drive. He left at the end of the previous drive, so he has not yet missed a snap. Prior to the injury, Kittle had caught seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Luke Farrell is the primary backup at tight end, but Jake Tonges also gets work.

Update: You can see in this video where he hurts his ankle. His status remains unclear at the 12:41 mark of the fourth quarter, so for now you can ignore the “He will not be returning” comment in this tweet.