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The odds of George Kittle returning in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia have taken a turn for the better. The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly returned to practice, and the next three days will determine if he can start the season in Week 1.
Kittle suffered an Achilles tear in the January 2026 playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles. The tight end was taken off the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 23 and has begun limited team work.
On Monday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared a crucial update on Kittle's recovery, renewing optimism that the tight end is doing everything in his power to start his season in Melbourne.
"George Kittle does not take his time," Rapoport said. "He isn't patient. He wants to get out there and play. Now he's going to take the next couple of days and really figure this out."
According to Rapoport, the 49ers will assess Kittle's readiness ahead of their Sept. 10 game vs. the Rams in Australia.
"My understanding is the 49ers truly do not know whether he is going to be able to play," the insider continued. "They're going to push him. They're going to give him the opportunity. He has been pushing himself, but really we're going to get an answer after these couple days of practice and not before. And the fact the 49ers would like an answer before he gets on the plane does actually say that maybe we'll see if he actually does get on the plane or if he stays home, if he's not able to play and just continues rehab."
Either way, Kittle has stitched an incredible rehab story by potentially returning to the field less than eight months after suffering a serious injury.
MORE: 49ers get good George Kittle update amid setback speculation
Kyle Shanahan clarifies his "set back" remarks on George Kittle
After the 49ers' preseason finale, head coach Kyle Shanahan threw the media into confusion when he said Kittle "had taken a step back." This led to many speculating that the tight end's recovery might have suffered a setback.
However, Shanahan clarified his comments on Monday.
“I don’t know exactly what I said there, but it was probably just me not speaking right,” Shanahan said. “George has been great. He’s passing everything.”
Shanahan said Kittle's potential Week 1 return will largely depend on how the next three weeks go with respect to training during practice sessions.
“We’re just getting him out with the team these three days and anytime when you come back out and practice with the team going against people and stuff — I hope there’s not a setback in that way,” Shanahan said. “That has nothing to do with his injury or anything, that has to do with his coming back and practicing these three days.”
The 49ers want to check if Kittle is indeed ready to make an 8,000-mile trip to Australia and handle the demands of returning to action. Previously, the 49ers star himself has suggested that he'll prioritize his recovery than rushing back to the field.
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