San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, giving him a "legitimate chance" to participate in the NFL's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The game is scheduled to take place in Australia.
Kittle underwent surgery in January to repair the injury, which he sustained during the NFC Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Typically, a nine-month recovery period is expected for an Achilles tear. However, Kittle is only seven months removed from the procedure and has reportedly hit top speeds while running.
Despite the positive outlook, Kittle remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and has not yet participated in training camp in pads. The coming weeks will be crucial for his progression and availability for the Sept. 10 matchup.
In the 2025 season, Kittle's performance was impacted by injuries, including a significant hamstring issue. He appeared in 11 games, recording 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. The 32-year-old tight end has previously expressed his belief in returning for the regular season opener, stating over the weekend, "I still believe that. My team still believes that. My surgeon still believes that I have a chance."