Overview
- Kyle Juszczyk said Saturday that he saw George Kittle move sharply at Tight End University and believes “there is a chance” Kittle could be ready for the 49ers’ international Week 1 game in Melbourne.
- Teammates and reports highlight concrete rehab milestones such as single-leg drills, box jumps and a reported 16 mph zigzag drill that suggest Kittle is ahead of typical recovery benchmarks.
- Kittle previously said he was ahead of schedule in his rehab, but the 49ers have not granted formal medical clearance and had earlier targeted a mid-November return.
- Coaches and trainers will make the final decision, with the team emphasizing long-term health and the added logistical risk of the transpacific trip to Australia.
- If cleared earlier than expected, Kittle’s return could boost the 49ers’ offense immediately and change roster planning, but any early comeback would be medically notable given typical 9–12+ month Achilles timelines.