San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle remains on track in his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon, giving head coach Kyle Shanahan hope that he could return in time for the team’s season opener on September 10.
The 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia to kick off the 2024 NFL season.
Coach Shanahan Shares Update on Kittle’s Recovery
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show on Thursday, Shanahan provided an update on Kittle’s progress, saying,
"I know there’s a chance to. 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."
Timeline of Kittle’s Injury and Recovery
Kittle suffered the injury during a January 11 playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The timeline from surgery to potential return is notably accelerated, as he underwent surgery by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles the week following the injury.
Initially, there were concerns that Kittle might miss part of the 2026 season due to the severity of the injury and the short recovery window. However, his current progress suggests a much faster timeline.
Kittle’s Recent Performance Despite Injuries
Despite battling hamstring and ankle injuries that limited him to just 11 regular-season games last year, Kittle still earned his seventh career Pro Bowl selection in 2023. The 32-year-old tight end remains a key offensive weapon for the 49ers, and his potential return would be a major boost for the team’s offense heading into the new season.
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