George Kittle targets return to practice ahead of season opener
6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 7:08 AM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
George Kittle aims to return to practice soon after suffering a torn Achilles in January. The San Francisco 49ers' tight end expressed optimism about being ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. His recovery progress will be closely monitored as the 49ers prepare for their first game in Australia. Upcoming practices will be critical for assessing his readiness.
- •George Kittle sustained a torn Achilles in January.
- •He hopes to practice soon ahead of the opener.
- •The 49ers face the Rams in their first game.
- •The opener is scheduled to take place in Australia.
- •Kittle's recovery will be crucial for the team's success.
- 7:08 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers TE George Kittle reveals his target NFL return date after Achilles recovery
- 10:23 PMYahoo Sports — Will George Kittle be ready for Week 1? 49ers TE explains why he has 'chance' to play vs. Rams
- 10:04 PMYahoo Sports — 49ers TE George Kittle remains hopeful of returning from Achilles tendon injury for Week 1
- 10:03 PMESPN — Kittle eyes return to practice, opener in Australia
- 9:00 PMYahoo Sports — George Kittle is 'pretty close' to returning from Achilles injury
"San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle said he expects to come off the physically unable to perform list before the start of the season and remains hopeful that his surgically repaired Achilles tendon will be healthy enough for him to play in Week 1. Kittle tore his right Achilles on Jan. 11 in a playoff win at Philadelphia and is hoping to be able to get back at practice in time to play Week 1 on Sept. 11 in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams. “I have a chance,” Kittle said Sunday.
"San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is nearing his return to the field after suffering an Achilles tear in January 2026. The 33-year-old Kittle had 57 receptions and 628 yards in 11 games last season, struggling through hamstring injuries before his Achilles tear in the Wild Card round vs.
"George Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles in January, said it's possible he'll be able to practice soon with the hope he'll be ready for the 49ers' opener vs. the Rams.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 7:08 AM49ers TE George Kittle reveals his target NFL return date after Achilles recovery
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is nearing his return to the field after suffering an Achilles tear in January 2026. The 33-year-old Kittle had 57 receptions and 628 yards in 11 games last season, struggling through hamstring injuries before his Achilles tear in the Wild Card round vs.
- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 10:23 PMWill George Kittle be ready for Week 1? 49ers TE explains why he has 'chance' to play vs. Rams
Most of the 49ers' injury news has been negative, but George Kittle sees the light at the end of the tunnel in his Achilles recovery.
- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 10:04 PM49ers TE George Kittle remains hopeful of returning from Achilles tendon injury for Week 1
San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle said he expects to come off the physically unable to perform list before the start of the season and remains hopeful that his surgically repaired Achilles tendon will be healthy enough for him to play in Week 1. Kittle tore his right Achilles on Jan. 11 in a playoff win at Philadelphia and is hoping to be able to get back at practice in time to play Week 1 on Sept. 11 in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams. “I have a chance,” Kittle said Sunday.
- ESPNAug 16, 2026, 10:03 PMKittle eyes return to practice, opener in Australia
George Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles in January, said it's possible he'll be able to practice soon with the hope he'll be ready for the 49ers' opener vs. the Rams.
- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 9:00 PMGeorge Kittle is 'pretty close' to returning from Achilles injury
The 49ers star tight end likes his chances to get back onto the practice field sooner rather than later.
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