Kittle tore his right Achilles tendon on January 11 during San Francisco’s playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, ending his 2025 season and putting his availability for the start of the new campaign in serious doubt. His recovery has moved much faster than initially expected, however, and he returned to practice ahead of schedule before traveling with the 49ers to Australia.

There were still plenty of questions heading into the week because Kittle was listed as limited during practice. That uncertainty has now been removed. Kittle is officially off the injury report, meaning Brock Purdy will have one of his most important weapons available against a loaded Rams roster in a blockbuster matchup to open the season.

Is George Kittle playing today for 49ers against Rams in Australia?

Yes, George Kittle is playing today for the 49ers against the Rams. San Francisco removed him from the final injury report, clearing the way for his return after nearly eight months recovering from the torn Achilles. While the 49ers are expected to manage his workload carefully, Kittle will be on the field for the first regular-season game of the 2026 campaign.

Kittle’s return could have a major impact on Brock Purdy and the San Francisco offense. The veteran tight end remains one of the quarterback’s most trusted targets, and his presence gives the 49ers another elite option against a Rams defense that enters the season with significant expectations.

The timing of Kittle’s return makes it even more important. San Francisco is opening the season against a Los Angeles team viewed as one of the NFC’s most dangerous contenders, while the game in Melbourne represents the first regular-season NFL matchup played in Australia. Having Kittle available gives Purdy another weapon as the 49ers attempt to start the season with a statement victory.

Kittle’s workload could nevertheless be different from what 49ers fans are accustomed to seeing. Coming back from an Achilles injury this early in the recovery process, San Francisco has every reason to be cautious and could limit his snaps rather than immediately giving him his usual workload. The important development is that Kittle is healthy enough to play.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo took to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday and reported that offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak told reporters Kittle was “looking good,” providing the strongest public indication yet that the star tight end could suit up in Melbourne alongside Bosa.

“Nick Bosa ready to go while #49ers OC Klay Kubiak tells reporters George Kittle is looking good as well. Two key players on track to play on Thursday. Or Friday. Whatever.” Kittle participated in the 49ers’ first Melbourne practice Monday, including individual work, as San Francisco prepared for Thursday night’s opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

What happened to George Kittle

The seven-time Pro Bowl selection tore his right Achilles tendon on Jan. 11 during San Francisco‘s 23-19 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card game. He underwent surgery three days later, and the 49ers activated him from the injured list on Aug. 23 before the trip to Australia.

A Week 1 appearance would put the veteran tight end back on the field roughly eight months after the injury. Kubiak’s update, however, does not represent an official injury designation or guarantee that Kittle will handle his usual workload.

Bosa’s return

The same update also brought encouraging news regarding pass rusher Nick Bosa. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said Bosa will play despite managing patellar tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee. Bosa did not participate in the open team portion of Monday’s practice.

49ers fans can feel a sense of relief knowing that Kittle, one of their most vital players, is close to returning. Joined by Bosa — whose status was previously clouded by uncertainty — both are expected to play despite lingering discomfort.

Tight end George Kittle made the trip to Melbourne, Australia, for the game and has practiced with the intention of playing despite lingering concerns about a torn Achilles suffered in January. Kittle is one of the 49ers’ most dynamic receivers and is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game on San Francisco’s Week 1 injury report.

However, amid the uncertainty, the 49ers made a key roster move. San Francisco announced it has signed tight end Brayden Willis to its practice squad, adding depth at a position of need. “The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have signed TE Brayden Willis to the team’s practice squad,” the franchise said.

What Willis could bring

Willis has played three seasons in the NFL, all of them with the 49ers from 2023 to 2025. He has appeared in 23 games and has not recorded any yards or a catch on offense, but he has chipped in on special teams with 10 tackles for coach Kyle Shanahan’s team.

Willis, who played his college ball with the Oklahoma Sooners, was selected by San Francisco in the seventh round (247th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft and has lived up to his selection so far as a depth piece on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

A likely return for Kittle

After cutting Willis, it serves as a great sign for Kittle‘s presence against the Rams. This is exciting news for the 49ers, as Kittle is a huge part of their offense. Whether he will be placed on a restriction remains unknown, but the possibility of him playing is still a great sign for San Francisco.

Willis has made $2 million throughout his career up to this point. The 49ers are hoping to start the season on the right foot with a win over the Rams, and getting Kittle back on the field would be huge for their chances.

The squad had been awaiting the practice return of star playmakers Kittle and McCaffrey. As both players rejoined the 49ers’ practice on Sunday, it led to what reporter David Lombardi called the best practice session of training camp. Lombardi took to social media to state that Sunday featured high intensity in every aspect, noting how Kittle and McCaffrey “fueled it.”

“Best 49ers’ practice of training camp and effectively the last one since we almost certainly won’t see 1-on-1s anymore and Tuesday’s session will be well into ‘dress rehearsal’ week,” Lombardi wrote on X. “But true intensity both ways — Kittle and CMC returns fueled it — with big plays and yelling back and forth.”

What McCaffrey, Kittle did in training

In terms of usage for both stars, the star tight end did not take part in team drills, but the running back did, according to Jennifer Lee Chan. “Very spirited 49ers practice on Sunday,” Lee Chan wrote. “While George Kittle did not participate in team drills, Christian McCaffrey did.”

Great atmosphere surrounds the 49ers

What became the top workout of the offseason generated significant chatter across social media, highlighting a strong environment across the roster that could prove key for the NFL season.

Reporter Cam Inman noted that the practice was “entertaining,” citing major highlights like quarterback Brock Purdy taunting linebacker Fred Warner following a completion.

“Entertaining 49ers practice: *McCaffrey 4 carries (3 in 5-snap span)… *Purdy taunts Warner after completion to Deebo… *Warner earlier clobbered Black on PBU… *Mike Evans left, seems precautionary again… *[DeZhaun] Stribling, [Deommodore] Lenoir no-contact participants… *[Upton] Stout INT BP… *No [Nick] Bosa, Height,” Inman wrote.

While Kittle has been progressing after tearing his Achilles in January, McCaffrey has been dealing with leg tightness. It remains to be seen when both Kittle and McCaffrey will return fully and be ready for San Francisco when the squad opens the season on Sept. 10 against the Rams.

Per NFL insider Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, Kittle could eye a Week 1 return, but it all depends on how the 49ers approach the matter. “This gives him a chance to play in Week 1 vs. the Rams in Australia, though there is still a chance the team plays it safe considering the travel.”

The 49ers already lost wideout Ricky Pearsall for the season, and have Mike Evans dealing with some tightness, as well as running back Christian McCaffrey. Hence, Kittle‘s addition could be a breath of fresh air for the offense.

Kittle is crucial for this offense

Kittle is not only one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL, but also one of the best blockers. For a head coach like Kyle Shanahan, who loves to run the football, having a premier pass-catcher that also helps opening holes for the backs is just too good to be true.

Kittle is an integral part of this team as a leader too. And, of course, his production is very good. The 7x Pro Bowler had 57 catches for 628 yards and seven touchdowns last season in only 11 games before getting injured.

The 49ers still have a very good TE2 if they want to be careful

Due to Kittle’s injury last season, the 49ers relied on backup Jake Tonges for the last stretch of the season. Tonges proved to be a very good tight end, as the 27-year-old was very reliable.

Tonges had 34 catches in 46 targets for 293 yards and an outstanding five touchdowns in 2025. Hence, if the Australia game is too risky for Kittle, the Niners could use Tonges to very good results.

Kittle shared encouraging news with the media recently, suggesting his return could come sooner rather than later, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. “49ers George Kittle shared that he has been hitting planned markers and he is ‘getting close’ to a return,” Lee Chan wrote on X.

While Kittle remains cautious about providing an exact date for when he will put on pads, ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported that the veteran tight end hopes to return to practice in short order. “Kittle said he’s hoping to be back in pads and at practice ‘sooner than later’ but declines to share timeline for that. He’s hitting speed numbers close to pre-injury levels. Says he’s still working to ensure both calves are at roughly the same strength levels,” Wagoner wrote.

Kittle eyes return for season opener

Kittle was referencing the tedious rehabilitation process that could position him for a Week 1 return following the injury he sustained against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11. Having him available would be massive news for San Francisco 49ers, though the staff must remain cautious to avoid a potential re-injury.

Kittle stands as one of the most vital playmakers in San Francisco 49ers’ offense, and quarterback Brock Purdy loves connecting with him on the field. His presence should relieve pressure from Purdy and make the offense far more dynamic. Should he fail to return by Week 1, players such as Christian McCaffrey will need to carry a heavier workload in the backfield and as a pass catcher.

San Francisco 49ers also brought back Deebo Samuel during the offseason, a player who has proven to be a versatile gadget option throughout his career. Adding Kittle back into the mix will only make the offense even more dangerous.

What happened to Kittle?

Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during San Francisco 49ers’ NFL wild-card round victory over Eagles in January. He was carted back to the locker room and quickly diagnosed with the season-ending injury.

Achilles tears typically carry a quicker recovery timeline than ACL tears, but returning to peak form can present challenges depending on a player’s age. Kittle turns 33 in October, meaning playing like his former self might prove to be more of an uphill battle than simply stepping back onto the pitch.

If there is one saying the 49ers should be well familiarized with, it’s that when it rains, it pours. Sometimes, however, the downpour only lasts a short while. Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm. For a change, San Francisco could breathe a sigh of relief after an injury scare at practice.

“The 49ers announce that Romello Height had cramps,” Matt Maiocco from NBC Sports Bay Area reported on his X account. “Height sustained an injury in practice and was carted off the field. The medical staff appeared to be working on both his right leg and both arms.”

Height scares 49ers

It must have been some supernatural cramps for the 6-foot-2 rookie out of Texas Tech to require that kind of medical attention. Still, the 49ers will gladly take the outcome.

Had they lost their third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to a serious injury on Day 2 of training camp, it could have been a terrible omen for what the season might have in store in San Francisco.

The buzz around the Niners and their facilities

Much has been speculated about the 49ers’ facility and its proximity to an electrical substation, fueling all sorts of conspiracy theories across social media. If the team had lost one of its newest additions to a serious injury just days into training camp, that narrative would have been blown out of proportion.

The 49ers already have enough on their plate. They have no desire to add yet another concern with a serious injury this early in the calendar. Fortunately, Height’s case turned out to be nothing more than a scare.

For the time being, the team has no reason to worry about its rookie defensive lineman. Just to be safe, though, the 49ers’ nutritionists might want to add a few more pickles—and some pickle juice—to his diet.

Kittle continues to recover from the Achilles injury he suffered during the Wild Card round game of the playoffs against the Eagles, and his availability for Week 1 remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the 49ers.

The challenge is even greater because San Francisco will face the Rams in the opener at Melbourne, forcing them to carefully evaluate whether the veteran will be ready for such a demanding international trip.

John Lynch updates George Kittle’s recovery

Although George Kittle’s status for the opener has yet to be determined, the latest comments from general manager John Lynch should provide plenty of optimism for 49ers fans.

“George’s rehab is coming tremendous. I know you guys have heard from him. He’s doing really well and that’s very exciting. He’s doing everything possible to be ready for Week 1. We’re thrilled with his progress.”

Will George Kittle be ready for Week 1 vs Rams?

Even with John Lynch’s optimistic update, the 49ers are expected to remain cautious. The organization understands that rushing Kittle back from an Achilles injury could create unnecessary risks, especially with a long trip to Australia awaiting the team before the regular season officially begins.

For now, the goal remains unchanged. Kittle is pushing to be available for the season opener, while the 49ers continue monitoring his recovery closely. If his rehabilitation continues at its current pace, they could have one of their most important offensive weapons back just in time for one of the most anticipated games of the 2026 NFL season.

Kittle is still recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered during last season’s playoffs, and while the move is considered precautionary, it has immediately sparked questions about his timetable for returning to the field.

The biggest concern is whether Kittle will be healthy enough for Week 1, when the 49ers are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Rams in Australia on September 10, a unique international trip that adds another layer of complexity to his recovery.

John Lynch provides George Kittle injury update

Following the announcement, 49ers general manager John Lynch addressed George Kittle’s recovery and acknowledged that the international opener will be part of the team’s decision-making process.

“All that will be taken into consideration. With tremendous players, usually comes a collective will that they’re a little different. They’re going to want to push the envelope. Also, great athletes tend to heal at a different rate. We kind of take ourselves out of that. We let the doctors work. Everything is involved in that decision. Very much like a trip. That’s different. We have to take everything into account.”

The comments suggest the 49ers will prioritize Kittle’s long-term health over rushing him back for the season opener. However, it’s a crucial game within the NFC West.

Will George Kittle be ready for Week 1 with 49ers?

At this point, the San Francisco 49ers have not confirmed whether George Kittle will be available against the Rams, but John Lynch admitted he’s confident a return is possible.

The PUP designation allows him to continue his recovery while remaining under close medical supervision, giving the team time to evaluate his progress before making any final decision.

With San Francisco entering the season as one of the NFC’s top contenders, the 49ers will want their All-Pro tight end healthy for the long haul, even if that means exercising additional caution before clearing him to travel overseas for the opener.

Now, as for good news, 49ers’ general manager John Lynch still said that he is “optimistic on all of them [Kittle, Isaac Guerendo, Alfred Collins] hitting the practice field sooner than later.”

This is not a full indictment, as players can be moved off the PUP list at any point during camp. The problem is if they transition from the active training camp list to the Reserve/PUP list at the final 53-man roster cutdown deadline. This forces them to sit out a minimum of the first four regular-season games.

Kittle’s recovery is a tough one

Kittle suffered a torn right Achilles on January. Given that this injury usually takes from nine to 12 months to recover, Kittle is on track, though hopes of him getting the nod for a Week 1 appearance are decreasing.

As of now, Kittle should be scheduled to come back between Week 4 and 6 of the NFL season if it slows down a bit. Kittle is a key component of this offense, so the Niners need him to come back at his fullest.

Kittle could miss key games for the 49ers

While the 49ers want him ready by Week 1, or Week 2 at worse, the fact is this is a very tough injury to overcome. If he comes back, cautiously, for a Week 5 encounter, Kittle would miss the following games:

• Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 10 at Los Angeles Rams (in Australia)
• Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20 vs. Miami Dolphins
• Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27 vs. Arizona Cardinals
• Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Denver Broncos

Speaking candidly with host Chris Simms on NBC, Kittle made sure to defend the franchise’s efforts throughout the tough negotiations. He noted that the 49ers “have done a very good job throughout the entire process” as they navigated the complex standoff.

Reflecting on his decade with the organization, Kittle emphasized that he has received “nothing but respect and love” during his entire career in San Francisco. He deliberately refrained from calling out anyone involved, stating he never wants to “single out a player” or point fingers at anybody.

Balancing big contracts and 49ers’ championship hopes

The contract standoff stems from Aiyuk seeking a lucrative long-term extension that reflects his value among top NFL receivers. San Francisco faces a delicate financial puzzle as they try to keep their core roster intact under tight salary cap constraints. Both sides have weathered months of trade rumors.

Aiyuk’s leverage comes directly from his steady evolution into one of the most productive targets in the league. Since being drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he has recorded 294 receptions, 4,305 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns.

His breakout 2023 campaign saw him post a career-high 1,342 receiving yards, cementing his status as a primary weapon in Shanahan’s offense. Resolving this saga remains crucial for the 49ers as they push for another championship run.

Kittle’s public backing of the front office highlights the trust existing veterans place in Lynch and Shanahan. Whether Aiyuk stays long-term or the situation evolves further, his teammates clearly respect both the player and the business side of the game.