49ers injury updates: George Kittle's timeline shifts; Malik Mustapha close to return

The San Francisco 49ers could welcome back two key contributors in the next couple of weeks. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may soon be the only player left on the team's physically unable to perform (PUP) list, as safety Malik Mustapha and tight end George Kittle move closer to returning.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Friday that the 49ers expect to open Mustapha's practice window early next week as the team prepares for its matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

"Malik is the one who we're hoping to open up here on Monday," Shanahan said.

Mustapha has been sidelined since suffering an ACL injury in San Francisco's final game of the 2024 season. Once his practice window is opened, the 49ers will have 21 days to either add him to the 53-man roster or keep him on the PUP list for the remainder of the year.

Mustapha emerged as a surprise standout rookie last season, finishing with 72 tackles (two for loss), one interception, and five passes defended.

Meanwhile, NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that Kittle was trending toward a return from injured reserve, potentially in time for the Buccaneers game. Shanahan, however, offered a slightly delayed timeline for the star tight end's return.

"He's doing good, but I think it'd be a long shot for this week," Shanahan said. "Just talking to the doctors a second ago, probably looking more like the following week."

That would set up a potential Week 7 return against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Kittle has been recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, when he recorded four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown before exiting.