San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle 'pretty happy' to be making season debut Sunday night

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The last time San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle played the Denver Broncos in the regular season, he had the most productive day of his NFL career. Which means Kittle's return from the groin injury that kept him on the sidelines for the first two weeks of this season couldn't come at a better time.

Yes, Kittle will make his season debut Sunday night against the Broncos, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Friday afternoon.

«He's good to go,» Shanahan said. «I thought he got better each day. He means a ton in both [the run and pass game]. Kittle has been one of our better players here over the years when he's out there. We've got to get him back into football shape just because he hasn't played in a little bit but he helps us in every facet.»

Kittle made it through the practice week without any issues, participating in the first two sessions on a limited basis and going in full Friday. He has no injury designation on the Friday injury report.

«I'm pretty happy,» Kittle said Thursday. «Just had a breath of fresh air, honestly. It feels great to be back on the football field with the boys. I love our performance staff. They do a fantastic job of getting us back together but I'd be OK with not really seeing them for the rest of the season. So, just really happy to be back out there catching the football, actually getting to put pads on, hit people.»

Kittle initially suffered the groin injury Sept. 5, a «bonus» practice the Niners had before the season opener against the Chicago Bears. He did not play that week or last week against the Seattle Seahawks, though he did participate in practice Sept. 16 for the first time.

Having Kittle back means Niners quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will have his full