George Kittle told reporters Sunday that he has “a chance” to play in Week 1 when his San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Just the fact that it’s on the table is remarkable. If it holds true, Kittle’s recovery will mark the latest milestone in the evolution of enhanced recovery from an injury that used to be considered career-threatening. Kittle ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles in January. He missed San Francisco’s ensuing divisional-round loss to the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. If he suits up for Week 1, he will have recovered from his Achilles injury without having missed a regular-season game. Here’s Kittle on his recovery and his chances to play in Week 1 while speaking with reporters Sunday:
INCREDIBLE: #49ers George Kittle says he's "Hitting top speeds" and that he has a chance to play in WK1 Vs #Ramspic.twitter.com/DdNLotcCUK — 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) August 16, 2026
“I have a chance,” Kittle said. “We’re running around a lot, hitting top speeds. Hopefully we’re back in pads sooner than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumbass.” Can Kittle, Jones join Jayson Tatum? Kittle and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones are attempting to join Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum in resetting expectations for athletes in their recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Tatum shocked the sports world when he returned last NBA season to play the final 16 games and in the playoffs for the Celtics. He sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon in the prior season’s playoffs and was initially expected to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season and postseason. Instead, he returned with weeks remaining in the regular season to play well and with few restrictions. Tatum underwent an advanced, minimally invasive procedure with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Martin J. O'Malley. The procedure projects to reduce the risk of complications and recovery time from a ruptured Achilles' tendon and appears to have worked as intended for Tatum. Jones also underwent surgery with O'Malley. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in Week 14 in 2025 and missed the final four games of the season. He’s on track to return for the start of the regular season.
Kittle didn’t undergo surgery with O'Malley. But he did with Dr. Neal Elattrache, another renowned orthopedic surgeon who regularly works with high-profile professional athletes. Kittle also sustained a clean, high tear of his Achilles tendon, which offers an optimal prognosis for recovery. The sooner Kittle can come back for the 49ers, the better, obviously — especially considering the spate of injuries on their roster. But don’t expect them to take unnecessary chances with the All-Pro’s health as they seek his return for the long-run and have an eye on making the postseason.