George Kittle's status unclear for 49ers opener against Rams
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 1:26 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
George Kittle is working towards a return to the field after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, 2026. Despite being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Kittle has "taken a step back" in his recovery. While Kittle is expected to practice this week, his availability for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia remains uncertain. The team plans to evaluate his condition after three remaining practices before the game.
- •Kittle is a seven-time Pro Bowler tight end.
- •He has been recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon.
- •Shanahan mentioned Kittle has "taken a step back" in recovery.
- •Kittle is expected to practice this week.
- •Season opener against the Rams is on September 10.
- 1:26 PMYahoo Sports — George Kittle makes huge strides towards playing in 49ers season opener
- 3:14 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Taken a step back’: Outlook murky for 49ers star to return to the field
- 3:06 PMYahoo Sports — Report: George Kittle is expected to practice this week
"Entering his 10th season this year, seven-time Pro Bowler tight end George Kittle has been working on his return to the field following a torn right Achilles tendon during the 49ers’ playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, 2026. After their final preseason game, coach Kyle Shanahan answered questions during a presser about…
"49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the team's final preseason game that tight end George Kittle had "taken a step back" when discussing Kittle's return from a torn Achilles, but Shanahan didn't elaborate on what that meant for his availability for the start of the regular season.
"George Kittle is trending toward a Week 1 return from a torn Achilles, potentially making history with an unprecedented eight-month recovery.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 1:26 PMGeorge Kittle makes huge strides towards playing in 49ers season opener
George Kittle is trending toward a Week 1 return from a torn Achilles, potentially making history with an unprecedented eight-month recovery.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 3:14 PM‘Taken a step back’: Outlook murky for 49ers star to return to the field
Entering his 10th season this year, seven-time Pro Bowler tight end George Kittle has been working on his return to the field following a torn right Achilles tendon during the 49ers’ playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, 2026. After their final preseason game, coach Kyle Shanahan answered questions during a presser about…
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 3:06 PMReport: George Kittle is expected to practice this week
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the team's final preseason game that tight end George Kittle had "taken a step back" when discussing Kittle's return from a torn Achilles, but Shanahan didn't elaborate on what that meant for his availability for the start of the regular season.
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