The San Francisco 49ers badly need to string together wins, because with a 5-5 record they are in serious danger of missing the playoffs.

They face a stiff test over the next two weeks with road games against the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, two teams that consider themselves Super Bowl contenders.

In a Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Niners were missing George Kittle, who was unable to play because of a hamstring ailment.

The All-Pro tight end recently updated his status for Week 12 against the Packers.

Kittle has been the Niners’ biggest weapon in their passing game this season, especially after wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was underperforming before suffering the knee injury that knocked him out for the rest of the year.

Kittle has caught 43 passes for 560 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the team in receptions and touchdowns.

Without him, San Francisco is hard-pressed to make explosive plays and to gain separation.

While the team ranks tied for 10th in points, fifth in total passing yards and third in total yards, its offense has been inconsistent and has had trouble reaching its potential, especially in the fourth quarter.

Kittle has a tendency to sustain minor injuries over the years, perhaps due to his physical style of play, but he hasn’t missed that many games.

Only once has he played in fewer than 14 games in a season, and that was in 2020 when he had a knee injury and a broken bone in his foot.

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