George Kittle’s recovery from a torn Achilles has reached a point where the San Francisco 49ers can realistically consider him for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. The tight end suffered the injury during January’s Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, putting his Week 1 status in doubt for much of the offseason. Now, that outlook has changed. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that Kittle “continues to make terrific progress” and that “there’s a high level of confidence” he will be ready to play. Still, the biggest question is whether being medically cleared will also mean being ready for NFL football.
Will George Kittle play Week 1 against the Rams?
For now, the signs point toward George Kittle having a genuine chance to suit up when the 49ers face the Rams on Sept. 10. His recovery has progressed enough for him to resume running routes, a significant step for a player whose game depends heavily on movement, timing and physical contact.Kittle also sounded encouraged when he spoke on Chris Simms’ podcast two weeks ago. He did not promise a Week 1 return, but his confidence was clear.“I like my chances,” Kittle said on Chris Simms’ Unbuttoned podcast. “I know I’m in a great spot. The last couple of weeks, I was back into running routes. I’m definitely not 100%, but I feel like I’m at a spot where I think I can get there by Week 1. So I’m excited about it.”That last part matters. Kittle knows there is a difference between being close to full health and being prepared for the demands of an NFL game.The Australia trip adds another layer to the decision. San Francisco will not simply be managing Kittle’s workload. The team will also have to decide whether the unusual travel and setting make Week 1 the right target for his return.George Kittle has already made his position clear. He will not force the issue just because the opener is approaching.“I’m not gonna be stupid with it,” he added. “If it’s a stretch to play in Australia, we won’t do it. I do feel confident that I have a chance to play, and so, I’m really excited about that. It’s been very easy for me to light a fire every single day because I know I have a chance. I’m just going to attack it every single day and put myself in a position to succeed.”That approach could ultimately decide the timeline. The 49ers have every reason to want Kittle available, but his long-term health matters more than one game.With Zenitz reporting strong confidence in a Week 1 return and Kittle himself encouraged by his progress, the comeback no longer looks like a distant possibility. The remaining question is whether his body says yes when the final decision arrives.
