The San Francisco 49ers are going to have a very difficult time winning the NFC West. The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, which just traded for Myles Garrett, will be tough matchups.
But this 49ers team is still capable of going head-to-head with both rivals. For San Francisco to win the division, they need to be healthy, unlike what they were last year. That includes George Kittle, who tore his Achilles last season in the Wild Card round.
However, Nick Wagoner of ESPN shared that Kittle revealed some incredible news about his Achilles recovery and that he is currently on track to suit up in Week 1 of the 2026 season.
George Kittle on track to play Week 1 vs. Rams
"Despite tearing his right Achilles and having it surgically repaired 19 weeks ago, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle believes he is on track to return Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia," Wagoner writes.
This is some incredible news for the 49ers, as getting Kittle back for Week 1 would be massive for their odds to beat the stacked Rams roster to begin the season.
This injury to Kittle occurred against the Philadelphia Eagles during the Wild Card round on January 11th, and he's since been focused on recovering from this unfortunate injury.
Coming back in time for Week 1 of the 2026 season is about as quick a recovery as possible for someone coming off a torn Achilles tendon.
MORE: 49ers voice frustrations over grueling 2026 travel schedule
Last season, despite missing a significant amount of time due to injuries, Kittle recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. He was a favorite target of Brock Purdy's and is sure to be heavily involved in the offense again in 2026.
With Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and De'Zhuan Stribling joining the offensive supporting cast alongside Christian McCaffrey and Ricky Pearsall, the offense, even without Kittle, is in a good place.
But, with this report that indicates Kittle is on track for a Week 1 return, the 49ers offense has a case as one of the best in the league right from the start of the season.
More NFL news: