George Kittle makes huge strides towards playing in 49ers season opener

The NFL has concluded the preseason, and teams are now preparing for the regular season. Roster cutdowns, PUP List decisions and injured reserve designations have made each team’s plans a little clearer as key players work toward the season opener. Among those players, San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle is making an unprecedented push to play in week one. After suffering a torn Achilles late last season, he is looking to make history with his recovery by being ready for the 49ers’ trip to Australia. On Wednesday, reports indicated that Kittle is on track to play. Most importantly, he is making the trip to Australia as the 49ers prepare to take on the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne. MORE: Cowboys will regret cutting Joe Milton before October “The 49ers leave today for their game vs the Rams in Australia, and star TE George Kittle will make the trip after 2 positive days of practice, sources say. Kittle is trending in the right direction to play. DE Nick Bosa, ramping up with his knee, will also make the trip.” Ian Rapoport reported on X. Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is carted off the field after an injury during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Kittle with a potentially historic return Kittle’s potential return would be remarkable considering he suffered his torn Achilles on January 11, 2026, during the 49ers’ playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Achilles injuries typically require a lengthy recovery, with a return often taking nine months or longer following surgical repair. Kittle, however, has consistently targeted a much earlier return. He underwent surgery just three days after suffering the injury. The tear reportedly occurred high near his soleus, which provided a more favorable recovery outlook. MORE: 49ers player has a wild strategy for team’s flight to Australia If Kittle plays against the Rams on September 10, he would return roughly eight months after suffering the injury. That would put him significantly ahead of the traditional recovery timeline. This would make his comeback one of the most aggressive returns from an Achilles injury in recent NFL history. Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The 49ers have reason to be encouraged by his progress and Kittle has already returned to practice after being activated from the PUP List. Now, with Kittle traveling to Australia and trending toward playing, the final hurdle is getting him through the remaining practices without a setback. If he takes the field against Los Angeles, his return could be historic while giving San Francisco one of its most important offensive weapons for the start of the season. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —