The Chicago Bears might have their toughest matchup of the 2025 season against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17, but some news dropped that could change the outlook of the game.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that a source told him 49ers star tight end George Kittle is "doubtful" to play in the game. Schefter did later share, though, that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is likely to play against the Bears.
Kittle suffered a sprained ankle in the win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16 and was listed as questionable for the Bears' match. Pearsall has been dealing with a knee and ankle injury and was also listed as questionable.
Bears might have an advantage on their hands with Kittle most likely out
This will certainly take the pressure off the Bears' safeties and linebackers, so they do not have to worry about Kittle tearing them apart. Kittle is coming off a game where he had over 100 yards and a touchdown against the Colts.
Pearsall gives the 49ers a boost in the passing game, as he can help fill the void left by Kittle being out. For the season, Pearsall has 31 receptions for 443 yards.
Even with the mountain of injuries the 49ers have had, the Bears need to be careful with quarterback Brock Purdy, who is having a strong season and is coming off a five-touchdown performance against Indianapolis. His favorite target in the passing game has been running back Christian McCaffrey, who is pacing to have over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving on the year.
This means Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen needs Pro Bowler Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker ready to cover McCaffrey out of the backfield in the passing game. It could also mean that when the safeties can't cover McCaffrey, it might land on linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds to get it done in coverage.
Read more: Bears' nightmare scenario just popped up on Week 17 injury report before 49ers game
Having Kittle out will take the pressure off the Bears' secondary, as they can now zone in on McCaffrey and make sure he doesn't hurt them in the passing and running games. This will still be a test for Allen's defense, as they have to stop one of the NFL's hottest offenses.