Iowa Hawkeyes Legend Lands Massive NFL News

Former Iowa Hawkeyes standout George Kittle took another meaningful step in his recovery Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers activated the tight end from the active/physically unable to perform list.

The announcement from the NFL club confirmed the move.

“The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have activated TE George Kittle from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List.”

For Hawkeyes fans who followed Kittle’s career from Kinnick Stadium to the professional ranks, the news carried extra weight. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection remains one of the most accomplished tight ends to come through the Iowa program, and his progress continues to draw attention back to his college roots.

Kittle has been sidelined since tearing his right Achilles tendon during San Francisco’s playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11. The injury ended his postseason run and forced a lengthy rehabilitation process that has stretched through the offseason.

An encouraging evaluation Wednesday with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the surgeon who handled the Achilles procedure, boosted hopes that a return for the regular-season opener remains possible. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported those positive findings earlier in the week.

The 49ers open the season against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Sept. 10, in Melbourne, Australia. While the activation clears Kittle to practice, it does not guarantee he will suit up for that overseas contest. Travel demands and the careful nature of Achilles recoveries could still influence the final decision.

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports provided additional context.

“George Kittle foreshadowed he would soon be activated off PUP when I asked him about it last week. This does not guarantee Kittle will be available to play Week 1, but it’s a big step in that direction.”

Reports indicated Kittle was already in uniform for Sunday’s practice session, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. That detail offered further reassurance to those tracking his timeline from Iowa.

Kittle’s college career with the Hawkeyes helped establish the foundation for his professional success. Known for his toughness, blocking ability and receiving skills in Iowa’s offense, he developed into a reliable contributor who later translated those traits into a standout NFL career. Many in the Iowa community still point to his work ethic as a model for current players in the program.

The latest update generated positive reactions among those connected to Hawkeye football. David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard observed that the move at least points to a return before Week 5, with an earlier comeback still very much on the table. Dr. Jesse Morse called the recovery impressive given that Kittle is roughly eight months removed from reconstructive surgery.

Nick Wagoner of ESPN noted that Kittle had previously said he expected to return to practice “sooner than later,” and that moment has now arrived. Supporters of the Iowa program shared similar sentiments, describing the progress as a testament to the resilience often associated with players who came through the Hawkeyes’ system.

Even if Kittle is not fully ready for the season’s first game, the ability to rejoin full practices allows the 49ers to assess his readiness in real time. For Iowa alumni and fans, each positive update serves as a reminder of the lasting impact former Hawkeyes can have at the highest level of the sport.

Kittle’s journey from Iowa City to a key role in San Francisco’s offense has long been a point of pride. Sunday’s activation reinforces that story, showing that the same determination that defined his college days continues to drive his professional comeback.

As the 49ers move through the remainder of the preseason and final roster decisions, attention from the Iowa community will stay fixed on Kittle’s next steps. The hope shared by many who watched him develop as a Hawkeye is that he returns to the field healthy and ready to contribute once again.