Overview
- Kittle said his Achilles rehab is trending in the right direction, noting he is walking, off crutches for weeks, and back on a golf course.
- General manager John Lynch said the team is hopeful he will be ready for the season opener in Melbourne against the Rams, though no return date is set.
- His status could shape draft plans at tight end, with the 49ers weighing value picks rather than a must-fill need.
- Jake Tonges handled most of the receiving work with 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns last season, while Luke Farrell served as the primary blocker.
- Kittle, a nine-year veteran with 595 career catches for 8,008 yards and 52 touchdowns, missed six games with a hamstring injury before tearing his Achilles in the playoffs.