49ers Kittle, Moody cleared to play Week 1 vs Steelers

It was a bumpy road to get to this point for the 49ers, but they got there, now close to full strength at the start of the 2023 NFL season.

The San Francisco 49ers have announced their Week 1 active roster for Sunday’s contest with the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the list of players playing includes both kicker Jake Moody and TE George Kittle.

Both players have had lengthy spells on the sidelines since getting hurt, with the latter missed most of the preseason with a groin strain. While Moody has missed some time due to a quad strain suffered in practice.

Both men have been trending in the right direction the last week or so, giving the 49ers the green light to have both Sunday. The team’s release of K Matthew Wright from the practice squad was indicated such as well.

#49ers K Jake Moody just went 5-of-5 on warmup field goal tries with snap and hold into the open end of Acrisure Stadium. Makes from 33, 38, 43, 48 and 53.

A positive sign, though of course, only in-game kicks matter.

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 10, 2023

“I think he’s looked good enough to be full [go],” coach Kyle Shanahan stated Friday.

Additionally, cornerback Charvarius Ward (heel) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) have been made active Sunday.

The former popped up on the injury report Thursday, dealing with an issue in his heel. Skipping that day’s practice, Ward returned to the field for Friday’s walkthrough.

Hufanga also missed practice Thursday, but due to a personal matter. The USC alum has had a lingering knee problem for the last month, playing through it to this point.

But just like Ward, Hufanga was seen on the field Friday, casting little doubt over his ability to play in Week 1.

“No. I’m not concerned at all. I think he’ll be ready to play, so it’s not an issue with me,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said about Ward Thursday.

George Kittle and Charvarius Ward are both active for #SFvsPIT.

Week 1 @DignityHealth inactives: https://t.co/0z6k93md4P pic.twitter.com/MOUci6Cvlu

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 10, 2023

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