The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with their fair share of injuries over the last few seasons.
Last year, in particular, saw key players like Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and George Kittle all suffer serious injuries. Kittle tore his Achilles in January and, as a result, has not been on the field this summer.
Achilles injuries are among the most severe injuries you can get, and Kittle is still among the best tight ends in the league. Any time the 49ers have to be without Kittle is a major blow to the offense.
Fortunately, Kittle isn't ruling out returning earlier than expected, possibly as soon as Week 1.
Kittle Reveals Playing in Week 1 is a Possibility
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Kittle hasn't been practicing, but he's still been out there with the team. On Sunday, the veteran spent some time speaking with Bay Area media.
"I have a chance," Kittle said when asked if he will practice soon. "We're running around a lot, hitting top speeds. Hopefully, we're back in pads practicing sooner than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumbass."
Kittle has been undertaking a tedious recovery process this offseason. The veteran wants to get back to the field as quickly as possible, but he doesn't want to risk further injury. After all, Kittle is about to turn 33, and he's had injuries before.
Kittle added that he's "very confident" he won't start the season on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he intends to be back within the season's first four games.
Every game is important, but Kittle also emphasized that the season is long and he doesn't want to make things worse by coming back early.
"I want to play in every football game that I possibly can play in, but I'm also aware it's an 18-week season," Kittle said. "If you miss Week 1 and you're playing Week 2, hey, it is what it is. ... I'm just going to keep that as my goal and then we'll adjust from there if we need to. But I still believe that. My team still believes that. My surgeon still believes I have a chance. So just keep attacking it."
Notably, the 49ers play in Australia in Week 1, so the team will want to know his status before departing on that long trip.
Without Kittle, the 49ers have Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell on the tight end depth chart. Tonges showed some flashes as a receiver in 2025, ending with 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns. Farrell is the blocking tight end who will see the field in two-tight-end sets.
