Overview
- Video from Tight End University in Nashville showed George Kittle running routes and doing on-field drills during the June 22–25 event while he is recovering from a torn right Achilles sustained Jan. 11.
- Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner said on the Grit Code Podcast that Kittle appeared to be limping in the clips and argued he was participating in drills without team medical clearance.
- Kittle and his wife Claire have posted optimistic rehabilitation updates, with Kittle reporting milestones such as running over 16 mph, single-leg box jumps, and cutting drills as signs he is ahead of schedule.
- The 49ers have expressed guarded hope that Kittle could return sooner than typical Achilles timetables but have not issued public medical clearance and must weigh travel logistics for the season opener in Melbourne.
- Achilles ruptures normally need nine to twelve months for safe return so visible on-field work raises real risk of a setback that could affect Kittle’s long-term health and the 49ers’ season plans.