The San Francisco 49ers are getting close to welcoming All-Pro tight end George Kittle back into the fray after he suffered a hamstring injury way back during the Niners' season-opener against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.
For those who can't remember (and we can't blame you amid all the injuries that have happened since), Kittle was immediately ruled out with an injury shortly after logging San Francisco's first touchdown of the 2025 campaign, subsequently placed on injured reserve not long after the game concluded.
Now, the fan-favorite tight end is nearing a return.
With the banged-up 49ers looking to rebound in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, there's an excellent chance Kittle returns to action after being activated off IR. Following practice the Thursday before the game, the veteran spoke to reporters and revealed the true nature of his hamstring injury.
All one can say is that it sounds painful.
George Kittle's hamstring injury sure sounds awfully bad
Anyone who's had a hamstring injury can attest to it needing to fully heal, and some hamstring injuries can take months to fully heal properly.
As Kittle described to reporters on Thursday, that's precisely what he needed to do, especially considering the severity.
"When you tear your hamstring, you don't really want to rush back into those things," Kittle described. "I talked to some other guys who have had a similar injury before, and they're like, 'Just take your time with it, because if you rush it, and it happens again, then it's potentially season-ending.'"
Wait, a torn hamstring?
Yes, a torn hamstring.
#49ers TE George Kittle says he “fully plans” on playing Sunday night. Says it will be ultimately up to Kyle Shanahan but that’s his expectation.
Kittle says he has had a fully torn hamstring. Adding here: Kittle says it did not tear off the bone and because of where tear was it…
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 16, 2025
As described by ESPN's Nick Wagoner above, Kittle revealed the hamstring didn't tear off the bone, which is probably a good thing, yet it doesn't exactly mean it was any less painful or sensitive.
On the positive side, it sounds as if the all-around offensive weapon fully plans on playing in prime time this Sunday night, provided he's cleared by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Considering the swarm of bad injury news San Francisco has dealt with over the previous five weeks, Kittle's return would be a welcomed relief.
Provided that painful injury isn't nagging him, of course.
Hat tip toDavid Bonilla of 49ers Webzone for the find and transcription.