Kyle Shanahan: 49ers TE George Kittle still eyeing Week 1 return

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Kyle Shanahan: 49ers TE George Kittle still eyeing Week 1 return

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 4:06 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers suffered a major setback in the Wild Card playoff round against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the team came away with the win, they lost one of their most important offensive weapons when tight end George Kittle suffered an Achilles injury.

At first, the outlook for Kittle was uncertain, with some initial concern that much of his 2026 season could be in jeopardy given the timing of the injury. However, that quickly turned to optimism as the prognosis pointed toward a possible earlier return.

In fact, there is a legitimate chance Kittle could be ready for Week 1. As he continues his rehabilitation, the possibility of him suiting up for the season opener remains very much in play.

"I know there's a chance to," head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday on The Rich Eisen Show. "I know he's working his butt off to do it. I don't want to say he's on track, but I think that's what he's shooting for. And I don't put anything past Kittle. He works as hard as anyone."

Kyle Shanahan
After tearing his Achilles in the Wild Card round last season, will George Kittle be ready for Week 1?#NFL #FTTB @gkittle46 pic.twitter.com/6nDgHRo2FL
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 30, 2026

Kittle is entering his 10th NFL season and has already built a strong résumé, including 8,008 receiving yards, which ranks third in franchise history.

Shanahan emphasized that Kittle is doing everything possible to get back on the field for the start of the 2026 campaign.

"And I just keep telling Kittle, like, [Boston Celtics forward] Jason Tatum got hurt in the playoffs, and he's looking pretty damn good right now with his Achilles," Shanahan said. "So, let's try to do something like that, and I know Kittle will. Kittle's too impressive of a talent and too impressive of a person, so I can't wait to get him back."

The 49ers originally selected Kittle in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, during Shanahan's first year as head coach. Since then, he has developed into one of the league's premier tight ends, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors.

"This is my 10th year, it's his 10th year," Shanahan added. "It's really cool having a few guys that have been here the whole 10 years, guys like him, Juice (FB Kyle Juszczyk). There's not many of them, but they've been some of our best players here, some of our best people, guys I'll be close with the rest of my life."

Kittle's recovery will undoubtedly remain one of the key storylines of the 49ers' offseason.

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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