The San Francisco 49ers were riddled with injuries throughout the 2025 NFL season. Tight end George Kittle was limited to just 11 games during the regular season. He then tore his Achilles in the 49ers' wild-card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Quarterback Brock Purdy was also forced to miss time. He missed eight regular-season games while dealing with a lingering right toe injury.
While San Francisco managed to stay afloat, going 12-5 and making the playoffs, getting both playmakers back at full strength will give the offense a major boost. It's clear that the duo is ready to hit the field again as well.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Despite Purdy's absence for a large chunk of the season, he still earned the respect of his peers. On Wednesday, the 49ers revealed that he earned the No. 85 spot on the NFL Top 100 list. It's a list voted on by players themselves.
Sitting at No. 85 in the 2026 NFL Top 100 is also an improvement for Purdy after not making the list last year. While debates quickly sparked on whether he deserved to be lower or higher, his tight end was a big fan of his landing spot.
"Honestly that number looks great next to him," Kittle commented under the X post.
Of course, Kittle, who wears No. 85 on the field, is alluding to the connection he and Purdy have formed over the years. According to StatMuse, the two have played in 45 games together. In those games, the tight end has accumulated 214 receptions for 3,030 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Kittle has also made the Pro Bowl in every season since Purdy took over as the 49ers' full-time starting quarterback in 2023. At 32 years old, he is expected to continue that strong connection during the 2026 NFL season.
