George Kittle shows recovery progress ahead of Week 1 for 49ers
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 3:19 AM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
George Kittle is progressing well in his recovery from a torn Achilles and may play in the San Francisco 49ers' season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia on September 10. Kittle, who is on the active/physically unable to perform list, received positive feedback from his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, confirming he is ahead of schedule. Typically, recovery from an Achilles injury takes about nine months, but Kittle is only seven months post-surgery. He aims to participate in training camp soon to ensure his availability for the game. The 49ers must remove him from the PUP list by August 30 to allow him to play in the regular season.
- •Kittle could play in the season opener against the Rams.
- •He is currently on the PUP list and hasn't practiced.
- •Kittle suffered a torn Achilles in January during the playoffs.
- •He is seven months post-surgery, ahead of the typical recovery timeline.
- •The 49ers must activate him by August 30 for him to play.
- 3:19 AMYahoo Sports — George Kittle 'ahead of schedule' in Achilles injury return. Will he play Week 1?
- 2:17 AMYahoo Sports — Report: George Kittle ahead of schedule, has legitimate chance to play Week 1
- 2:11 AMYahoo Sports — George Kittle has ‘legitimate chance’ to play Week 1 in 49ers season opener vs Rams
"There is another positive update on 49ers tight end George Kittle, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in January.
"San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has a chance to return to the team and play during Week 1. Here's what we know.
"The San Francisco 49ers may very well have tight end George Kittle for the NFL season opener in Australia.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 3:19 AMGeorge Kittle 'ahead of schedule' in Achilles injury return. Will he play Week 1?
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has a chance to return to the team and play during Week 1. Here's what we know.
- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 2:17 AMReport: George Kittle ahead of schedule, has legitimate chance to play Week 1
There is another positive update on 49ers tight end George Kittle, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in January.
- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 2:11 AMGeorge Kittle has ‘legitimate chance’ to play Week 1 in 49ers season opener vs Rams
The San Francisco 49ers may very well have tight end George Kittle for the NFL season opener in Australia.
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