George Kittle’s comeback clock may be moving faster than anyone expected.
The San Francisco 49ers tight end is still working his way back from the Achilles injury he suffered in last season’s playoffs, but recent signs from camp suggest he’s well ahead of the usual recovery track. Kittle, who has been out for seven months, has even hinted that a return sooner than expected is on the table.
That kind of timeline matters for a player who means so much to the 49ers on and off the field. Kittle brings the kind of energy that changes the temperature of a team the moment he steps back into the huddle. For now, though, the focus is on rehab and getting back in position to help when it counts most.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said he visited 49ers training camp a few days ago and got a close look at Kittle’s workout, and the reaction was hard to miss.
“It was eye-popping. It was really good.
It was really fast. He was looking like a player who's basically going full-speed,” said Rapoport.
“It's an unbelievable thing.”
Rapoport also pointed out that players coming back from Achilles injuries usually don’t return until around nine months, which makes Kittle’s progress stand out even more. He said there’s a real chance Kittle could be on the field in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.
“It is an unbelievably long season, especially now with 17 games. They want to make sure that one of their best players on the 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 in Week 1, of being out on the field, is incredible. He's not wrong.
He's got a shot,” added Rapoport.
Last season, Kittle played in 11 games and finished with 57 catches for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. The five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler remains one of the biggest names on the roster, and his recovery is tracking in a way that has clearly caught attention.
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