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. the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite his age and the time since the injury, the seven-time Pro Bowler is hoping he can return to the field sooner rather than later.
George Kittle eyeing Week 1 return for the 49ers
Kittle spoke to reporters on Sunday and revealed that he expects to be removed from the ‘physically unable to perform list’ (PUP) before Week 1 and return on September 10 against the LA Rams.
“I have a chance. We’re running around a lot, hitting top speeds. Hopefully we’re back in pads practicing sooner than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumb—.”
Kittle is yet to be cleared for practice, so a return to full-speed games might be a bit optimistic. But an injury-stricken 49ers likely will let him play, if it’s safe for him to return.
We have seen players return in about 6-9 months in the past, with Cam Akers’ 173-day absence in 2021 among the fastest returns from an Achilles tear we have ever seen.
Kittle would be on track to return after roughly nine months from his injury, although at 33 years old, the 49ers might think of protecting him for a bit longer.
The 49ers have an injury crisis
All three players on the 49ers’ PUP list (Kittle, Isaac Guerendo, Mykel Williams) are expected to return by Week 1.
The 49ers have six players already on Injury Reserve (Ricky Pearsall, Darrick Forrest, Andrew Farmer, K.J. Henry, Tanner McLachlan, Mikail Kamara), and have reported injuries or issues with at least 19 players through training camp.
Some of their training camp injuries/issues include players such as Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Juszczyk, Christian Kirk, Nick Bosa, Keion White, and many others.
Kittle’s availability for Week 1 is important because of the other roster weaknesses the 49ers might need to overcome.
Outside of the six on IR, the others are all tracking to play in Week 1, so the 49ers might be able to afford to keep someone like Kittle out given the gravity of his injury.
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