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3w ago

Surgeon Visit Gives George Kittle a Realistic Chance to Play Week 1

An encouraging checkup fast-tracks his rehab but he must complete a padded practice and receive formal medical clearance before the Sept. 10 opener in Melbourne.

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Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Kittle visited surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles Friday and multiple reports described the appointment as encouraging, saying his recovery is ahead of schedule.
  • Those assessments have led insiders to call a Week 1 return a “realistic” possibility rather than a longshot.
  • Before he can play Kittle needs at least one padded practice, a formal medical clearance and to meet roster-activation deadlines that govern travel and game eligibility.
  • The team does not expect Kittle to play in the upcoming preseason game and has listed Jake Tonges as the primary backup while it weighs activation versus long-term health.
  • Achilles repairs typically take nine to 12 months to heal, so the 32-year-old’s accelerated timeline carries both upside for the 49ers and added medical and logistical risk as they decide whether to clear him for the Australia trip.