San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle tore his Achilles in the Wild Card Round last season. He had surgery to repair it and has since been rehabbing. The veteran tight end’savailability for 2026 will be crucial for Brock Purdy, Kyle Juszczyk and the Niners’ Super Bowl aspirations.
Kittle appeared in and started 11 regular-season games in 2025. He recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns, earning his seventh Pro Bowl nod. While the 49ers advanced to the Divisional Round, the Seattle Seahawks dominated them 41-6.
The team bolstered its roster by acquiring Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys and signing wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year contract. San Francisco also drafted running back Kalon Black among its eight picks.
San Francisco Niners tight end George K. before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round.
49ers: Kyle Juszczyk Shares Thoughts on George Kittle’s Potential Week 1 Return
It’s been only six months since Kittle went under the knife, but he is reportedly set to return to action by Week 1. ESPN reported that he is “on track” in his recovery and showed signs of progress during OTAs. Juszczyk expressed optimism amid the rumors surrounding Kittle’s potential return early in the season.
“I really (do) feel that way,” Juszczyk said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “I was so impressed by the way he was moving [at Tight End U], and I was impressed the last week of OTAs, how he was moving. He was doing this zigzag drill, and he told me he had reached like 16 miles an hour that day. I was already impressed with that.
“But then, seeing him go through that warm-up, I was like, ‘Wow, I really do think there is a chance that he’s ready for Week 1.’”
The fullback also talked about Kittle’s value to the team.
“I know him and the trainers are going to be smart about it and not try and risk anything because we know how much George means to our team, and having him out there (for) more than just one game is important,” Juszczyk said. “But I’m feeling good about the possibilities.”
San Francisco is eyeing a deeper run next season and is hopeful about contending for a Super Bowl. It won’t be easy as the NFC West is stacked, but they have a good mix of veterans and young talent all ready to step up.
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