San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is eight months removed from a torn Achilles injury he suffered during the 2025 NFL season. However, the veteran pass catcher appears to be on track to take the field in some capacity for Thursday night's international matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. Kittle has been practicing with the team and appears to be moving well as they prepare for their season-opening contest.
And on Tuesday, he made a cheeky comment that suggested he's prepared to play in Week 1. Kittle said he's "taken a step back ... toward playing." "Body feels really good," Kittle said, via 49ersWebZone. "It's bounced back really good.
I'd say I've really taken a step back ... towards playing. But besides that, don't know what the workload is. I don't know what Sunday looks — jeez Louise — what Friday morning looks like.
Kyle [Shanahan] said we're in the future, so I don't really know what day it is. But I guess we'll all find out on Friday." Kyle Shanahan, who recently sparked conversation by saying Kittle has taken a "step back," clarified that the tight end is progressing well in his recovery. However, the team wants to be "smart" with him as he returns from this serious injury.
"I don't know exactly what I said there, but it was probably just me not speaking right," Shanahan said. He's passing everything." Thursday's 49ers-Rams matchup will kick off at 8:35 p.m.
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