Kubiak: George Kittle ‘looks good’ ahead of 49ers season opener

The San Francisco 49ers are just days away from opening the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, and offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak provided some encouraging updates on several key pieces of the offense.

Perhaps the biggest was George Kittle.

Kittle has been working his way back from an injury, but Kubiak said the veteran tight end has looked like himself during practice.

“Yeah, he’s looked good,” Kubiak said. “I’m super impressed with how he’s looked considering the injury he had and how quickly he got back out on the field and just committed to his rehab.”

Kubiak added that Kittle has been practicing at full speed and getting plenty of reps, although his workload for the opener has yet to be determined.

“We’ve got to see how it gets through the rest of the week,” Kubiak said. “But Kittle looks good.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a first down during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Kubiak is also excited about getting Deebo Samuel back into the mix.

The offensive coordinator said Samuel has brought a strong attitude to camp and has been willing to do whatever the team needs from him.

“And, you know, we got to get Deebo the ball,” Kubiak said. “We got to get him his touches like he’s going to get because he can affect the game in a lot of ways.”

Another major addition to the offense is veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who Kubiak believes can provide both leadership and a matchup problem for opposing defenses.

“He’s obviously the veteran presence, he’s seen a lot of football and he’s a very savvy, confident veteran football player who adds a lot of leadership qualities to our room,” Kubiak said.

Kubiak also praised Evans for his approach to learning the offense.

“Give me the route, tell me the play, I’m going to find a way to get it done,” Kubiak said.

The 49ers will face a significant challenge up front against a Rams defensive line featuring Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett.

“It’s a very difficult challenge,” Kubiak said. “Two of the all-time greats and two guys that can wreck a game plan if you don’t have a plan for them and you don’t have attention on them on every play.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 29: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp at SAP Performance Facility on July 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The left guard competition remains unsettled, with Kubiak saying multiple players could see action depending on how the game develops.

As for Brock Purdy, Kubiak believes the quarterback has reached another level entering his fifth NFL season.

“He has his way of doing it, and it works, and he’s really owned it,” Kubiak said. “He’s very capable of being challenged with new things, and he wants new things.”

With Kittle potentially returning, Samuel back in the fold and Evans joining the offense, Kubiak is eager to see what the group can do when the games finally count.

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• Greg Papa opens up about life-saving transplant & his 49ers comeback attempt
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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• 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
• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT

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