SANTA CLARA — George Kittle’s presence at a second consecutive practice is a positive sign for the All-Pro’s return to the field for the 49ers’ Week 7 contest with the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football.”

Kittle, who suffered a hamstring injury in the 49ers’ Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks, went through his usual routine during the open portion of practice. The Iowa product worked one-on-one with tight ends coach Brian Fleury, took part in blocking drills with offensive linemen, and caught passes from both Brock Purdy and Mac Jones.

There’s no one happier to have the tight end back than Kittle himself.

“I have been so very excited to play football since last season ended,” Kittle said. “Only being able to play 26 snaps has been very difficult for me. I’ve been trying my best to get back as fast as I can without being an idiot and rushing it. The itch has been there.”

The 49ers are hopeful that Kittle’s return to the field will help the improve the offense’s struggling run game. Christian McCaffrey is looking forward to his teammate’s return.

“It’s awesome,” McCaffrey said on Wednesday. “He’s not just great as a player but his every and leadership on the field means a whole lot to this team. So we can’t wait to get him back.”

There are several players, along with the tight end who are working their way back from injury for the primetime showdown, but there were a few players missing from Thursday’s lengthier practice session.

Absent from the early portion of practice open to the media were Ricky Pearsall (knee), Yetur Gross-Matos (knee/hamstring), and Marques Valdez-Scantling (calf).

Brock Purdy was on the field, as he was on Wednesday, and continued to take his reps following Mac Jones.  Kyle Shanahan believes the quarterback is gradually getting healthier, but the order indicates Jones will likely be the starter on Sunday evening.

After practice concluded on Wednesday afternoon, the 49ers downgraded Dominick Puni’s status to a non participant but the right guard was back on the field on Thursday. The offensive lineman originally injured his knee during the preseason but has suited up for every game since Week 1.

Here is the full practice report for Oct. 16:

Did not participate

WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)

DL Yetur Gross Matos (knee/hamstring)

WR Marques Valdez-Scantling (calf)

Limited partcipation

QB Brock Purdy (toe)

WR Jauan Jennings (shoulder/ankle/ribs)

TE George Kittle (hamstring)

WR Jordan Watkins (calf)

CB. Renardo Green (neck)

OL Dominick Puni (knee)

WR Sky Moore (ankle)

Full Participation

QB Mac Jones (knee/oblique)

LT Trent Williams (rest)
RB Christian McCaffrey (rest)

DB Upton Stout (shoulder)

DL Mykel Williams (thumb)

DL Kalia Davis (hand)

DL CJ West (thumb)

DL Kevin Givens (pectoral)

Atlanta Falcons practice report

Did not practice

S Billy Bowman (hamstring)

T Jake Matthews (ankle)
WR Ray-Ray McCloud (not injury related)

CB Clark Phillips (triceps/illness)

LB Jalon Walker (groin) 

Limited participation

TE Feleipe Franks (calf)

WR Darnell Mooney (hamstring)

Full participation

DE Leonard Floyd (illness)

S Jordan Fuller (knee)

DE Ta’Quon Graham (calf)

DT Lacale London (triceps)

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