Sna Francisco 49ers
Sep 2, 2020; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Detail view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet on the field during training camp at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: San Francisco 49ers/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network
Entering his 10th season this year, seven-time Pro Bowler tight end George Kittle has been working on his return to the field following a torn right Achilles tendon during the 49ers’ playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, 2026.
After their final preseason game, coach Kyle Shanahan answered questions during a presser about the organization’s readiness as the season approaches.
“You hope so; those are the things that we have to evaluate sooner rather than later. There are just guys that are gonna be close…guys like Kittle, who’s taken a step back, want to see how Bosa does in these practices and stuff. There are guys who are healthy and doing good, but are they ready to get back and play right away?” Shanahan said.
What was Shanahan trying to say?
49ers recently activated Kittle from the Active/PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list last Sunday, making him eligible to practice and participate with full pads. Fans on social media are speculating on what exactly Shanahan was attempting to convey with his update.
“They just don’t want him flying to Australia for the opening game. Sit him game 1, and he’ll be back wk2,” one person posted on X.
“Did Shanahan mean Kittle has had a setback? Did it mean he has taken a step back toward playing?” Indeed. That is the question,” another person wrote.
“What does Florio know? Kittle is in the best shape of his life. He could have finished the playoffs last season if he wanted to. His doctor said he has the best achilles of any human or large beast he has ever seen,” someone else added.
There have been no updates on Kittle’s return or whether he will see the field at all in September’s opening game against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. The 49ers have three more practices before game one, according to Shanahan, and will evaluate the roster afterward.