Overview
- Kittle tore his right Achilles on Jan. 11 and had surgery days later, and he says he is now near his pre‑injury GPS speed and believes he has a chance to play in Week 1.
- NFL insider Ian Rapoport called Kittle’s recent on‑field work “eye‑popping” and close to full speed, while former coach Steve Mariucci publicly expressed doubt that Kittle is ready.
- Kittle began camp on the physically unable to perform list and would have to be activated before Aug. 30 to avoid a mandatory four‑game PUP absence.
- The team still requires at least one padded practice before clearing him for a game and expects to settle his availability before the Sept. 2 flight to Melbourne; if he sits, the earliest return would be Week 2 at Levi’s Stadium.
- Kittle’s push shortens the usual nine‑to‑12 month Achilles recovery window, forcing the 49ers to balance a faster rehab against long‑term health and roster plans that include contingency depth at tight end.