George Kittle news
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The gist
49ers' George Kittle practiced in Melbourne and coaches say he "looks good" for Thursday's opener vs.
His return from a January Achilles tear would restore a top target for Brock.
Background
Kittle tore his right Achilles in the 49ers' wild-card playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11 and had surgery three days later. The 49ers activated him from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 24, and he has practiced since, including team drills. San Francisco opens the 2026 season against NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
How it unfolded
- Jan 11, 2026Kittle tears his right Achilles in the 49ers' wild-card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Jan 14, 2026Kittle undergoes surgery on the torn Achilles.
- Aug 24, 2026The 49ers activate Kittle from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list; he returns to practice soon after.
- Sep 7, 2026Kittle practices on the opening day of Week 1 preparations in Melbourne.
- Sep 8, 2026Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak says Kittle "looks good" but adds his workload will be determined.
- Sep 9, 2026Head coach Kyle Shanahan says the team has "got to be smart" with Kittle's playing time in Week 1.
Who’s saying what
- Team
- Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said Kittle looks good, is practicing full speed and getting a ton of reps, and the team feels it is in good shape.
- Caution
- Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers will monitor Kittle's playing time and "got to be smart with that," so he is not expected to see his usual high usage rate in Week 1.
- Analysts
- Fantasy writers say the vague workload plan leaves owners unsure whether to start or bench Kittle, calling it a worst-case scenario for fantasy football.
Still unverified
Kittle's exact Week 1 snap count and whether he will be on a strict pitch limit are not confirmed; coaches have only said his workload will be determined and the team will be "smart" with him. Reports that he is "in good shape" to play come from media outlets rather than a definitive team announcement.