The Los Angeles Rams got a jolt of bad news just hours before kickoff in Melbourne, with San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle cleared to play after recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Kittle, who was listed as limited in practice this week, is now off the injury report and scheduled to return tonight in Australia against the Rams. He had torn the tendon on January 11.
Kittle’s return changes the feel of the game for Sean McVay’s team, especially with veteran defender Aaron Donald ruled out and not making the trip to Australia because of injury.
The 32-year-old Kittle has been in the league since 2017 and has piled up 8,008 yards and 52 touchdowns across 124 games. In the season before the injury, he scored 7 touchdowns in 11 games, a reminder of how dangerous he can be when he’s on the field.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle and another key defender, Nick Bosa, are both working their way back from major injuries.
“We got to be smart with that,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “They both look great and stuff, but we also definitely have to be smart with that.”
Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowler, suffered the injury in January against the Philadelphia Eagles. Recovery from that kind of setback usually takes 9 to 12 months, so his return after just 7 months stands out as a quick one.
Analyst David J. Chao said the 49ers are unlikely to let Kittle go full throttle for the entire game, expecting him to be used mostly as a blocker.
"I'm sure George Kittle is lobbying to play Thursday. I expect the 49ers to let him suit up, but use him primarily as a blocker. I don't see him playing 50 snaps at full speed."
Reportedly, Kittle and Bosa will both have limited time on the field to help reduce the risk of another injury. Bosa is back for the first time since 2025 after recovering from an ACL tear, while Christian McCaffrey is fully fit and, according to Shanahan, 100% ready for the game with no restrictions.
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