Overview
- CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz reported Monday that there is a “high level of confidence” within the 49ers that Kittle could be available for the Sept. 10 season opener against the Rams in Melbourne.
- Multiple social-media videos show Kittle running cone drills and catching passes at speed, and those on-field rehab clips have helped fuel the recent optimism about his progress.
- Kittle remains on the San Francisco roster's physically unable to perform (PUP) list and must receive formal medical clearance before he can join full practices or travel for the opener.
- The 49ers are keeping roster plans ready in case he cannot go, with rookie Jake Tonges expected to start if Kittle is not cleared and the team managing a wider camp injury list.
- Team doctors' finding that the tear was higher on the tendon is being treated as a favorable factor for recovery, so the next key items to watch are formal clearances and how the long flight to Australia factors into any decision.