Overview
- Kittle said surgery performed last week in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache repaired a clean, high tear near the soleus without drilling into the heel.
- He told reporters he expects to be back well before November, hinting he could be ready near the start of the 2026 season.
- Head coach Kyle Shanahan described the operation as very successful and suggested recovery could be quicker than traditional Achilles timelines.
- Reporting notes that an eight- to nine-month window would place a potential return near the 2026 opener, contingent on rehabilitation progress.
- The 49ers’ offense struggled without him in a 41-6 divisional loss to the Seahawks, underscoring offseason depth considerations at tight end.