Overview
- Kyle Shanahan, speaking Thursday on The Rich Eisen Show, said George Kittle has a chance to be ready for the season opener and praised the tight end’s rehab effort.
- The 49ers open Sept. 10 against the Rams in Melbourne, a date roughly eight months after Kittle’s injury and surgery that had fueled early doubts about his availability.
- Kittle tore his right Achilles on Jan. 11 against the Eagles and underwent surgery in Los Angeles with Dr. Neal ElAttrache the week of the injury.
- Shanahan pointed to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s fast return from a similar Achilles injury as a motivating example for Kittle.
- Kittle enters his 10th NFL season with 8,008 receiving yards, seven Pro Bowls, and five All‑Pro honors, making his timeline a major factor in the 49ers’ offseason planning.