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49ers Star George Kittle Targets Week 1 Return After Achilles Injury
Tight end aiming to recover in time for season opener despite initial concerns over lengthy timeline.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is reportedly aiming to return by Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, despite suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the playoffs. Early projections suggested Kittle could miss most of next season, but 49ers insider Matt Barrows now believes Kittle's recovery timeline is more optimistic.
Why it matters
Kittle's return would provide a major boost to the 49ers' offense as they look to build on their 12-5 campaign. As one of the league's top tight ends, Kittle's presence is crucial to the team's success.
The details
Kittle suffered the Achilles injury on January 11 during the 49ers' Wild Card playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was recently seen using a motorized scooter, fueling speculation about his recovery timeline. However, Barrows reports that Kittle is "aiming to be back by Week 1" of the 2026 season, though a Week 1 return may be less likely if the 49ers open the season with a long trip to Australia.
- Kittle suffered the Achilles injury on January 11 during the 49ers' Wild Card playoff win.
- Kittle was seen using a motorized scooter in the week leading up to Super Bowl LX.
- Kittle suggested a Week 1 return was not out of the question after the injury.
The players
George Kittle
A 10-year NFL veteran and All-Pro tight end for the San Francisco 49ers.
Matt Barrows
A 49ers insider and reporter for The Athletic.
What they’re saying
“I don't think Kittle's Achilles tendon tear will keep him out for all of or even most of next season. In fact, he's aiming to be back by Week 1 (though that seems less likely if the team opens the season with a 16-hour flight to Australia).”
— Matt Barrows, 49ers Insider (The Athletic)
“They didn't have to drill into my heel. Where the repair was is where there's more blood flow. And so, it takes some time off the recovery.”
— George Kittle (49erswebzone.com)
“I'm literally only in this when I'm outside of my house. The nice thing, too, is my trainers are coming to me right now, which is really convenient. But I do a whole bunch of iso-holds, ankle stuff. Basically, I have like a three-inch heel lift in my boot right now, so I can stand up on this right now and just kind of hang out.”
— George Kittle (The Pat McAfee Show)
What’s next
The 49ers are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL's first regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), creating an added travel challenge for the team.
The takeaway
Kittle's potential early return would be a significant boost for the 49ers as they look to build on their 12-5 campaign. His presence as one of the league's top tight ends is crucial to the team's offensive success.
