George Kittle misses practice with ankle injury, status for Niners' game against Bears in question

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle missed practice with an ankle injury on Wednesday, leaving his status for this weekend's big game against the Chicago Bears in question.

Kittle hurt his ankle during Monday night's 48-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle still has “a chance” to play on Sunday night against the Bears depending on how quickly he heals this week.

San Francisco (11-4) has clinched a playoff spot and can earn the top seed in the NFC by beating the Bears (11-4) and Seattle (12-3) in the final two games of the season.

The 49ers got some good news on the injury front on Wednesday with receiver Ricky Pearsall returning to practice on a limited basis after missing last week's game with a knee injury.

Pearsall, who missed six games earlier this season with a knee injury, has 31 catches for 443 yards on the season.

But losing Kittle would be a big blow to a San Francisco offense that has been operating at a high level during a five-game winning streak. The Niners have gone back-to-back games without having to punt for the first time in franchise history.

Kittle is a key part of both the run and pass game for the 49ers. The Niners' running game has improved since Kittle returned after missing five games early this season with a hamstring injury.

Kittle has 31 catches for 415 yards and four TDs during the current winning streak and is second on the team to running back Christian McCaffrey in catches (52) and yards (599) despite missing five games.

The 49ers have a 144.6 passer rating when targeting Kittle this season, according to Sportradar, which would be the highest for any player with at least 50 targets since Russell Wilson had a 158.3 rating targeting Tyler Lockett in 2018.

Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos also didn't practice Wednesday, getting a scheduled day off to rest his sore knee.

Cornerback Renardo Green was limited after missing last week's game with a neck injury.

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Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. (23) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Germaine Pratt (53) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is tackled against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

HONOLULU (AP) — A federal judge’s ruling has cleared the way for Hawaii to include cruise ship passengers in a new tourist tax to help cope with climate change, a levy set to go into effect at the start of 2026.

U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake denied a request Tuesday that sought to stop officials from enforcing the new law on cruises.

In the nation’s first such levy to help cope with a warming planet, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed legislation in May that raises tax revenue to deal with eroding shorelines, wildfires and other climate problems. Officials estimate the tax will generate nearly $100 million annually.

The levy increases rates on hotel room and vacation rental stays but also imposes a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship’s passengers, starting next year, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports.

Cruise Lines International Association challenged the tax in a lawsuit, along with a Honolulu company that provides supplies and provisions to cruise ships and tour businesses out of Kauai and the Big Island that rely on cruise ship passengers. Among their arguments is that the new law violates the Constitution by taxing cruise ships for the privilege of entering Hawaii ports.

Plaintiff lawyers also argued that the tax would hurt tourism by making cruises more expensive. The lawsuit notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares.

“Cruise tourism generates nearly $1 billion in total economic impact for Hawai‘i and supports thousands of local jobs, and we remain focused on ensuring that success continues on a lawful, sustainable foundation,” association spokesperson Jim McCarthy said in a statement.

According to court records, plaintiffs will appeal. They asked the judge to grant an injunction pending an appeal and requested a ruling by Saturday afternoon given the law takes effect Jan. 1.

Hawaii will continue to defend the law, which requires cruise operators to pay their share of transient accommodation tax to address climate change threats to the state, state Attorney General Anne Lopez said in a statement.

The U.S. government intervened in the case, calling the tax a “scheme to extort American citizens and businesses solely to benefit Hawaii” in conflict with federal law.

Department of Justice attorneys are also asking to maintain the status quo for 30 days or until there is an appeals court ruling.

FILE - A cruise ship, background, is docked in Honolulu, March 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)