George Kittle ‘has a chance’ to return for Week 1 in Australia

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle may have a legitimate chance to return from a torn Achilles in time for Week 1, and NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes what he has seen from the veteran tight end is “incredible.”

Kittle suffered the devastating injury during San Francisco’s playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11, undergoing surgery three days later.

While the typical recovery timeline from an Achilles injury can extend to nine months or longer, Kittle is attempting to beat the odds and potentially suit up for the 49ers’ season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: George Kittle really does have a chance to be ready Week 1 for the #49ers. pic.twitter.com/SMuHl8BxYC

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 18, 2026

More on 49ers TE George Kittle

Rapoport recently provided an encouraging update after personally watching George Kittle work out at the team’s training camp in Santa Clara.

“When I was in Santa Clara about a week or so ago, finishing up inside training camp, had the opportunity to watch George Kittle do his workout, kind of alongside practice, pre-practice,” Rapoport said. “It was eye-popping. It was really good. It was really fast. It was looking like a player who is basically going full speed.”

Kittle has also indicated that his rehabilitation is progressing well. The seven-time Pro Bowler said Sunday that he has a chance to be on the field for Week 1 and that he’s already approaching the GPS speed numbers he reached before suffering the injury.

“I have a chance,” Kittle said via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “We’re running around a lot, hitting top speeds. Hopefully, we’re back in pads practicing sooner rather than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumbass.”

Rapoport pointed out just how remarkable Kittle’s recovery has been, considering he is only about seven months removed from the injury.

“The fact that the numbers are basically what he wants is an unbelievable thing,” Rapoport said. “He is seven months out from an Achilles injury. Now, generally, players do not get back on the field until nine months.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a first quarter touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

That does not mean the 49ers will rush Kittle back. With a 17-game regular season ahead, San Francisco has every reason to prioritize his long-term health rather than risk further injury for the sake of one game.

“But the fact that George Kittle has a realistic chance of playing Week One, of being out on the field, is incredible,” Rapoport said. “He is not wrong. He’s got a shot.”

Kittle remains one of the most important pieces of San Francisco’s offense. Despite playing only 11 games in 2025, he recorded 628 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

If his recovery continues at its current pace, George Kittle could be on the field sooner than anyone expected.

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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• 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

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