As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their trip down under to Australia to face off with Myles Garrett and the Los Angeles Rams, all eyes are on George Kittle and his ambitious timeline of Week 1 for a return from his torn Achilles. The injury suffered during the 49ers’ Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles late last year has varying timelines of recovery.
Kittle has been seen running and cutting while working on the side field during training camp. A Week 1 return would be remarkable, but former 49ers head coach Steve Mariucci is doubtful about that timeline.
Mariucci sat down with Alex Withers and spoke about Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Christian McCaffrey.
“George Kittle seems very optimistic. I’ve spent a lot of time with him, but he’s not there yet. I don’t know if he’ll be ready for the first game. Heck, he tore that Achilles in the playoffs, so that might be too quick of a turnaround. It could be an issue for them offensively.”
While speculation has run rampant about Kittle and his chances for Week 1, it is nice to hear from someone who spent time with Kittle. Kittle remains optimistic that he won’t begin the season on PUP, but a long flight to Australia could force the 49ers to be cautious with their tight end.
“But for me, the real concern is going to be George Kittle’s health. He’s a tough guy and he’ll try to tough it out, but he had 3 different lower body injuries last year. Hopefully he can play 16 games but I’m not so sure, but I like the fact they brought Deebo Samuel back to help with this problem. That was a good get, not only for receiver depth, but he can play running back too.
Mariucci is concerned with Nick Bosa’s health as well.
“When Nick Bosa is healthy, he’s as good as anybody in the league, but he just hasn’t been healthy the last couple years. He’s practising, and he’s got to do something but he’s becoming a constant concern for me. But they have Fred Warner back which is a big boost.
“I’m just hoping that they play with more of a complete team this year because they have been so unlucky. I’ve been through it. When you coach for 30 years, you’re going to be lucky with injuries and sometimes you’re unlucky with injuries. And so, you start scratching your head about what the heck is the reason. People are saying it’s the power right next door there that’s making these guys have weak tendons, and it’s all pony. Sometimes it’s just how it goes.”
Health is the only thing standing in the 49ers’ way. It feels like the 49ers are being extra cautious with their important players like Kittle, McCaffrey, Bosa, and Mike Evans.