49ers’ George Kittle reappears ahead of home opener

SANTA CLARA — George Kittle could be on his way to playing in the 49ers’ home opener, unless they don’t fully clear him from a groin issue amid potential rain on a slick field Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Kittle returned to practice today and participated for the first time since injuring his groin Sept. 5. His official status for the home opener will be revealed later this afternoon.

“George is a type of player that you can wait until Sunday,” general manager John Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM this morning. “I did that many times in my career, where you don’t practice all week and find a way to test it before the game.

“It’s going to go right down to the wire. He is improving, though, and we want to make sure we have a healthy Kittle for the entirety of the season moving forward.”

Kittle missed Sunday’s 19-10 season-opening loss at Chicago. Tyler Kroft was a surprise starter in his place, although Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley each played in the tight end group.