George Kittle shares new injury update, opens up about 49ers adding Mike Evans

Back in the second half of June, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle shared an encouraging update as it pertains to his status for upcoming training-camp workouts and for the 49ers' Week 1 game versus the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

During a recent appearance on the "New Heights" podcast, Kittle discussed where he is in his recovery compared to where he was when he made the previously mentioned comments. 

Why George Kittle thinks he's "ahead of schedule" in his recovery

"Rehab’s going great," Kittle said, per Eduardo Razo of Heavy. "I got on the AlterG treadmill, which is the anti-gravity treadmill.  I’m at 100 percent body weight, jogging at nine miles an hour. So, I think I’m ahead of schedule. We just started our jumping series, doing some 1080 walks and marching drills. I was in cleats for the first time yesterday. So, hey, we’re back on the field, baby."

Kittle suffered a torn Achilles tendon this past January, and it is unknown exactly when he will be fully cleared to play against a live defense in a meaningful game. Theoretically, potential concerns related to making the long flights to and from Australia could cause the 49ers to keep Kittle sidelined at least until San Francisco's home opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 20. However, such a decision likely won't be confirmed until either late August or early September. 

George Kittle shares what Mike Evans will offer the 49ers

Meanwhile, Kittle is among the people who recruited Mike Evans to relocate to San Francisco before the longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver officially signed with the 49ers in free agency this past March. During the podcast, Kittle discussed how Evans looked during his first on-field workouts with the Niners.

"...Evans is a guy who, just watching him and seeing his savviness, is incredible," Kittle said. "He understands concepts. In the red zone, if one guy has the corner route and another guy has the 'now' route underneath it, the way he sets it up against a defender with outside leverage and then gets wide open is so fun to watch." 

It remains to be seen when Kittle and Evans will be able to have "fun" while playing together during a game later this year.