49ers All-Pro TE George Kittle has 'gotten healthier' ahead of Rams game

Starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo isn't the only offensive weapon of the San Francisco 49ers playing through physical setbacks this month. All-Pro tight end George Kittle missed time this fall with a calf injury, and he was spotted visibly limping on the field late in last Saturday's dramatic victory at the Green Bay Packers that clinched a berth in this Sunday's NFC Championship Game at the Los Angeles Rams.

Kittle carried no injury designation into Wednesday's practice, and head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Thursday the 28-year-old had a rough end to the regular season but has "gotten healthier than how he finished versus the Rams" in Week 18, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone.

In that must-win contest back on Jan. 9, Kittle caught five of seven targets but finished with only 10 receiving yards.

"When George is going and feeling good, he's one of the more explosive tight ends in this league," Shanahan added about Kittle. "He's got the willingness to block as good as anyone, and when he gets the ball, he can make some plays."

As noted by ESPN stats, Kittle ended the regular season tied for the team lead with six touchdown catches and second with 94 targets, 71 receptions and 910 receiving yards. However, he's been held to five grabs for 81 yards and no scores over his past two outings.

In short, Garoppolo's less-than-stellar postseason numbers could be at least somewhat linked with Kittle's limitations.