George Kittle gets encouraging news after visit with surgeon

The San Francisco 49ers received another encouraging update on tight end George Kittle as he continues working his way back from a torn Achilles.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kittle visited renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Wednesday. ElAttrache performed the surgery on Kittle’s torn right Achilles in January, and the latest visit reportedly went well.

More importantly, Kittle’s recovery is reportedly ahead of schedule, giving him a legitimate chance to play when the 49ers open the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

That would be a remarkable recovery considering Kittle suffered the injury on Jan. 11 during San Francisco’s playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He underwent surgery three days later, putting him on a recovery timeline that traditionally could have kept him sidelined well into the regular season.

Sources: 49ers tight end George Kittle visited Wednesday in Los Angeles with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery on his torn Achilles in January. It was said to be an encouraging visit. Kittle’s recovery is ahead of schedule, and it gives… pic.twitter.com/F83Np6XKyw

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2026

More on 49ers TE George Kittle

George Kittle has remained optimistic about his chances of returning for Week 1 throughout training camp. He recently said he was “pretty close” to reaching his pre-injury GPS speed numbers and that he has a chance to play against the Rams.

“I have a chance,” Kittle said Sunday. “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.”

The 32-year-old tight end also acknowledged that getting back into football shape will be an important part of determining whether he can actually play in the opener. Kittle has made it clear that he doesn’t want his first time putting on pads to come in a regular-season game.

Still, everything appears to be trending in the right direction.

Kittle entered training camp on the physically unable to perform list, but he has expressed confidence that he won’t begin the season there. If he were to remain on the PUP list into the regular season, he would be forced to miss at least the first four games.

The 49ers obviously don’t want to jeopardize Kittle’s long-term health just to get him on the field for one game. But the latest report from Schefter provides another reason for optimism that one of San Francisco’s most important players could make an extremely early return.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 14: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a first down against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Kittle was still highly productive in 2025 despite playing only 11 games, catching 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns.

If his recovery continues ahead of schedule, George Kittle could be much closer to returning to the field than anyone expected when he suffered the Achilles injury in January.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Kyle Shanahan downplays Christian McCaffrey’s absence from practice
• 49ers OC highlights Kurtis Rourke, De’Zhaun Stribling after preseason opener
• 49ers OC: Deebo Samuel ‘Still Looks Like Deebo’

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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