Why George Kittle’s Week 1 decision looms large for the 49ers

George Kittle is back on the practice field, but the San Francisco 49ers still have a major decision to make regarding whether their star tight end should return to game action in Week 1.

Kittle was activated from the physically unable to perform list and returned to practice Sunday as he continues his recovery from an Achilles tear. His return is an encouraging step, but the timeline remains extremely aggressive.

As Sacramento Bee reporter Chris Biderman explained during an appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, Kittle could be attempting to play roughly seven months after suffering an injury that typically requires closer to nine months of recovery.

The biggest complication is San Francisco’s season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Kittle would have to endure an approximately 18-hour flight before attempting to play his first game since suffering the injury.

“If this were a regular season opener and there wasn’t an 18-hour flight to Australia leading into the game, I think it would be far more likely that George Kittle plays,” Biderman said.

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)

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The flight itself could make George Kittle’s recovery more difficult. Biderman explained that extended time on a plane isn’t ideal for swelling or inflammation, creating another variable for the 49ers to consider with their All-Pro tight end.

Kittle also has limited practice time remaining before San Francisco must make a decision. His first workout back consisted primarily of individual work, with Kittle not participating in team drills.

Biderman expects the 49ers to have only four or five practices to evaluate him before the team leaves for Australia.

That puts the 49ers in a difficult position. Kittle undoubtedly wants to play, particularly in an important NFC West matchup, but San Francisco’s ultimate goal is to have him healthy for the entire season.

“I think it would be a lot safer if he just stayed in Santa Clara, continued his rehab, and got ready for week two,” Biderman said.

The 49ers appear to be taking a similar approach with Christian McCaffrey. Biderman believes the team is being extremely cautious with its star running back after McCaffrey played only four games in 2024 while dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on November 24, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)

San Francisco may also have more options to reduce McCaffrey’s workload this season.

Rookie running back Kaelon Black has impressed Biderman, who described him as potentially “the most decisive runner, an explosive runner maybe that I’ve seen since Kyle Shanahan has been here.”

Black’s explosiveness could give the 49ers a legitimate option behind McCaffrey and help preserve their star running back throughout the season.

With the opener approaching, George Kittle’s status remains one of San Francisco’s biggest storylines. The 49ers want their star tight end on the field, but rushing him back for one game could create unnecessary risk for a player they hope remains a major part of their offense deep into January–or, as many 49ers fans hope, February.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers acquire veteran LB Deion Jones from Saints
• 49ers sign TE Khalil Dinkins to 3-year deal
• Raheem Morris praises 49ers’ defensive bounce-back vs. Chargers
• George Kittle gets encouraging news after visit with surgeon

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• 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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