Update on 49ers TE George Kittle’s 'eye-popping' recovery emerges after comments

While speaking with reporters this past Sunday, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suggested that it is not a lock that he will play in the 49ers' Week 1 game versus the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10 (8:35 p.m. ET).

During Monday's edition of NFL Network's "The Insiders" program, league reporter Ian Rapoport suggested that Kittle is on track to take the field against the Rams.

George Kittle "going full speed" amid Week 1 goal for injury recovery

"When I was in Santa Clara about a week or so ago, finishing up 'Inside Training Camp,' I had the opportunity to watch George Kittle do his workout, kind of alongside practice, pre-practice," Rapoport explained, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "It was eye-popping. It was really good. It was really fast. It was looking like a player who is basically going full speed."

While Kittle suffered a torn Achilles tendon back on Jan. 11, he has repeatedly made it known throughout 2026 that his goal has been to be cleared for the 49ers' regular-season opener in September. However, he and team doctors are expected to have conversations over the next few weeks regarding whether or not the long flight to and from Australia could impact his health beyond Week 1. 

"[Kittle] is seven months out from an Achilles injury," Rapoport continued. "Now, generally players do not get back on the field until nine months. The season starts about eight months after him tearing his Achilles."

49ers want George Kittle back for more than one game

Kittle is often a favorite target of quarterback Brock Purdy on Sundays. That said, Kittle missed time last fall due to a hamstring injury, so the 49ers may be extra cautious regarding his return to action next month.

San Francisco hosts the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 of the season on Sept. 20. It sounds like it's possible Kittle won't face an opposing defense until the Miami game. 

"But you listen to George Kittle, listen to 49ers people, at least there is a chance," Rapoport added about the 32-year-old possibly playing against the Rams. "No one is saying for sure that it's going to happen. And it is an unbelievably long season, especially now, with 17 games. They want to make sure that one of their best players on their roster, regardless of position, is in position to contribute in December and January. But the fact that George Kittle has a realistic chance of playing Week 1, of being out on the field, is incredible."