George Kittle says he’s still targeting a Week 1 return for 49ers

San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle is making encouraging progress in his recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon and believes he remains on track to suit up for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Kittle told the media last week that his recovery has gone smoothly and that he has experienced no setbacks since undergoing surgery 19 weeks ago.

“When I had the surgery and [Dr. Neal] ElAttrache told me, he said, ‘Hey, I think if you do everything the right way, you have a chance,’ it definitely ignites something and makes you push for it,” Kittle said, according to Wagoner’s report. “We’re on track. We’re ahead of schedule.”

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

More on 49ers TE George Kittle

George Kittle suffered the injury during the 49ers’ opening-round playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11.

The 32-year-old tore his right Achilles tendon, an injury that typically carries a lengthy recovery timeline, particularly for players whose games rely heavily on explosiveness and blocking strength.

A seven-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro, and three-time second-team All-Pro, George Kittle had been one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends before the injury.

He entered the 2025 season coming off consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns but battled a hamstring injury early in the year before his season ended in the postseason.

Per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Kittle was seen during organized team activities performing single-leg hops and jogging distances of 20 to 30 yards. The veteran tight end said it marked the most running he has done since suffering the injury and noted that he resumed jogging at full body weight just a few weeks ago.

One challenge surrounding Kittle’s Week 1 goal is the lengthy trip to Australia, with San Francisco scheduled to depart Sept. 2 ahead of the Sept. 11 opener.

However, Kittle said he is not worried about the travel and remains focused on checking off each stage of the rehabilitation process.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• Faithful Flashbacks #71: Ted Ginn’s Jr.’s Special Sunday
• Faithful Flashbacks #70: Roger Craig’s Hall of Fame Induction
• Faithful Flashbacks #69: San Francisco’s Humble Headquarters
• Faithful Flashbacks #68: Bill Walsh’s First Draft
• Faithful Flashbacks #67: San Francisco’s First Franchise Win

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• June 9-10, 2026 – Mandatory Minicamps
• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Emanuel Sharp: Sacramento’s MVP of Summer League?Sacramento’s rebuild hinges on development–not winsDeuce Mason is ‘not concerned at all’ about Darius Acuff Jr.Why the Raiders finally have a clear direction entering 2026Could the 49ers reunite with Deebo Samuel?Why the 49ers are built to bounce back in 2026