Overview
- Kittle, about 21 weeks into recovery, said Tuesday that he ran over 16 miles per hour in cleats and is doing single-leg box jumps and cutting drills as part of his rehab.
- He told reporters he is 'on track' and 'has a chance' to play in the 49ers’ Week 1 opener in Melbourne but stopped short of claiming certainty.
- Multiple videos from Tight End University showed Kittle moving fluidly on the field and teammates such as Mac Jones praised his preparation, yet those observations do not equal formal medical clearance.
- Surgeons and trainers have urged caution because torn Achilles injuries typically require at least 10 months to return to play, so an early September comeback would be unusually fast and medically exceptional.
- The 49ers have added offensive depth this offseason and will weigh medical risk, long transpacific travel and matchup implications before making a final decision on Kittle’s availability.