George Kittle’s push to be ready for Week 1 is still alive, but the 49ers may not rush him into the fire.
After Kittle told reporters on Sunday that his status for San Francisco’s opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10 (8:35 p.m. ET) is not guaranteed, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport offered a more optimistic read on Monday’s edition of “The Insiders.”
Rapoport said what he saw from Kittle in Santa Clara recently looked far more advanced than a typical comeback stage.
“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."
Kittle tore his Achilles tendon on Jan. 11, and throughout 2026 he has repeatedly pointed to the regular-season opener in September as his target. Even so, there are still conversations ahead between Kittle and the team’s medical staff about whether the trip to Australia could have an effect beyond Week 1.
Rapoport noted the timeline is aggressive, even if the progress has been strong.
"[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."
The 49ers have reasons to be careful here. Kittle is a frequent target for quarterback Brock Purdy, but he also missed time last fall because of a hamstring injury, which could make San Francisco even more measured with his return.
If Week 1 proves too soon, Week 2 could be the next target. The 49ers host the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 20, and it’s possible Kittle doesn’t see game action until then.
Still, Rapoport emphasized that Kittle’s Week 1 chance is real, even if nothing has been locked in.
"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."
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