Kittle is coming off an Achilles injury that he suffered in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs in January. The team put him on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp, but he has indicated that he won't begin the season on said list and even has a chance to play Week 1 in Australia. That makes him likely for most of the season, but how effective he'll be remains to be seen. Hence why you'll draft him closer to Round 8 than Round 4. The hope is Kittle will produce at a high level by the middle of the season and peak just in time for the Fantasy playoffs. When healthy, Kittle is among the best players at his position, averaging 14.7 PPR points per game in 2025 -- the sixth time in his nine-year career that he's averaged at least 14.1 PPR points per game. If you draft Kittle, then it's a good idea to pair him with a second tight end on your Fantasy roster -- maybe San Francisco backup tight end Jake Tonges -- just in case Kittle isn't quite ready to play a normal snap share right away.
Kittle (Achilles) visited with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Wednesday and remains ahead of schedule in his recovery with a chance to play Week 1 against the Rams, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
It was deemed an "encouraging" visit, per Schefter, after ElAttrache performed Kittle's surgery on his torn Achilles last season. Kittle has been aiming for a Week 1 return all along, and it appears to be attainable 21 days ahead of the Niners' kickoff with the Rams in Australia.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Confident he'll avoid PUP for Week 1
Rotowire
Kittle (Achilles) said Sunday that he's "very confident" he won't start the season on the reserve/PUP list and that he's still got a chance to play Week 1 versus the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Kittle is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered on Jan. 11, and he's maintained this offseason that he'll be ready for the Week 1 opener versus the Rams in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10. He added that the decision about whether he'll play Week 1 should be made before the 49ers depart for their international game versus the Rams, per Wagoner. The soon-to-be 33-year-old recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2023 and 2024, but he tallied 628 yards on 57 catches across 11 appearances during the 2025 regular season. When healthy, Kittle should still be a key target for San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, especially after wide receiver Ricky Pearsall underwent a season-ending surgery to repair his PCL this August.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Increases activity level Monday
Rotowire
Kittle (Achilles) was seen running routes, catching passes and doing conditioning work prior to Monday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
According to Wagoner, it was the most extensive work Kittle has done at practice this summer, as he continues to work his way back from a torn Achilles. Kittle remains on the active/PUP list for San Francisco, but he's continued to say he's on track to play Week 1 against the Rams in 31 days. He'll turn 33 years old in two months but figures to remain a red-zone presence for Brock Purdy. Kittle is no longer a top-tier fantasy tight end, but he should be productive when on the field in an efficient 49ers offense.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Starting training camp on PUP
Rotowire
The 49ers placed Kittle (Achilles) on the active/PUP list Saturday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Kittle continues to recover from a torn right Achilles that he suffered in the 49ers' NFC playoff win over the Eagles in January. The veteran tight end has been optimistic that he's ahead of schedule in his recovery and will be ready for Week 1 against the Rams on Sept. 10. By being placed on the active/PUP list, Kittle is eligible to participate in practice once he's fully recovered from his injury, but he'll be limited to side work for the time being. If Kittle ends up missing regular-season games, then Jake Tonges (foot) would be in line to serve as the 49ers' TE1.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Says he's ahead of schedule
Rotowire
Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he's "doing great" and is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab, ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner reports.
Kittle, coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have all said Week 1 is the goal, with Kittle noting Wednesday that his surgeon (Dr. Neal ElAttrache) also said it was a realistic goal (back in mid-January when he underwent surgery). While he hasn't been cleared for football activities, Kittle remains a consistent presence at San Francisco's OTAs, doing side work and running with trainers. After Wednesday's practice, Kittle said it was the most he's run since suffering the Achilles' tear Jan. 11. Wagoner notes that the NFL's schedule won't help Kittle's bid to play Week 1, as the 49ers have a long haul to Australia on Sept. 2 ahead of their Sept. 11 matchup with the Rams in Melbourne.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Still targeting Week 1
Rotowire
Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he is still targeting the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Rams in Week 1 as his return date, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
Kittle acknowledged the challenge of completing his rehab in time for Week 1, though he noted that "I was told it's not a crazy goal." Optimism surrounding his recovery has remained steady throughout the offseason, aided by the fact that he suffered what surgeon and team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache described as a "best-case scenario" Achilles tear near the soleus muscle, as Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. GM John Lynch said in late March that he's "hopeful" Kittle will be available Week 1. Still, given the timing of the injury he suffered during San Francisco's wild-card win over the Eagles in January and how capable No. 2 tight end Jake Tonges (foot) looked across his spot starts in 2025, the 49ers are expected to take caution with Kittle's recovery process.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Aiming to play Week 1
Rotowire
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that Kittle (Achilles) is aiming to be ready for the 49ers' Week 1 game against the Rams, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
This has been the sentiment all offseason after Kittle suffered a "clean" tear near the soleus muscle higher up on the Achilles in the 49ers' wild-card win over Philadelphia back in January, which typically results in a quicker rehab process. Working against Kittle, however, is his advanced age (32 years old) and just eight months between the injury and Week 1. The 49ers are surely going to be careful with Kittle and not rush him back just to have him at less than 100 percent for the first game of the 2026 season. Jake Tonges (foot) would be next in line at tight end if Kittle isn't ready to face Los Angeles in four months.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: GM hopes for Week 1 return
Rotowire
San Francisco general manager John Lynch told reporters Sunday that he is "hopeful" that Kittle (Achilles) will be available for Week 1 of the 2026 season, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Lynch noted that Kittle is progressing well in his recovery from a torn right Achilles that he suffered in the 49ers' NFC wild-card win over the Eagles in January. Working in Kittle's favor is the fact that he suffered a clear tear near the soleus muscle higher up the Achilles, which typically takes less time to rehab, but whether the veteran tight end is available for the start of the regular season ultimately will come down to his participation in training camp in July and August. Jake Tonges (foot) would be slated to serve as the Niners' TE1 to open the 2026 season if Kittle is not ready to return by then.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Eyeing expedited return from injury
Rotowire
Kittle said Monday that the right Achilles surgery he underwent last week went as well as possible, and the tight end said he expects to return to action "well before November" during the 2026 season, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Though a more definitive target date for his return won't become apparent until he's further along in the rehab process, Kittle is optimistic that he'll face a shorter recovery timeline than most players because he suffered a clear tear near the soleus muscle. Since that muscle is located higher up on the Achilles and he didn't need surgery on his heel, Kittle said that his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, termed the procedure as a "best-case scenario." Kittle still appears likely to open training camp on a reserve list while he recovers, but he's not closing the door on being ready to play by Week 1, when he would be approximately eight months removed from surgery.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Torn Achilles confirmed
Rotowire
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after Sunday's 23-19 wild-card win over the Eagles that Kittle tore his Achilles during the game, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Kittle exited in the first half due to an Achilles injury. The 49ers found a way to advance after losing their star tight end due to injury, but the diagnosis of a torn Achilles means Kittle won't rejoin his teammates on the field during their playoff run, as Kittle will face a recovery timeline of more than six months. He may not be available for the start of the 2026 regular season.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Exits Sunday's game
Rotowire
Kittle was carted off the field during Sunday's playoff game against the Eagles after sustaining an apparent lower-leg injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, Kittle reached for his right lower leg after being tackled prior to his exit from the contest. At first glance, this doesn't look good for the tight end, with added context set to arrive once the 49ers make an official injury announcement.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Cleared to play
Rotowire
Kittle (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's wild-card game at Philadelphia, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
Kittle played 95 percent of snaps Week 18, returning from a one-game absence for the 13-3 loss to Seattle. He'll likely handle an every-down role again this weekend against another one of the NFC's top defenses.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Limited Wednesday
Rotowire
KIttle (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
After missing a Week 17 win against the Bears due to a mid-to-low-ankle sprain, Kittle was back in action this past Saturday against the Seahawks, logging 95 percent of the snaps on his way to five catches (on seven targets) for 29 yards. He continues to deal with the injury in the wake of that loss, but he at least will have two more opportunities to log a full practice this week before the 49ers potentially tag him with a designation for Sunday's wild-card game at Philadelphia.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: One long catch
Rotowire
Kittle recorded five receptions on seven targets for 29 yards in Saturday's 13-3 loss to the Seahawks.
Kittle returned from a one-game absence and tied for the team lead in targets. His only impactful play was a 20-yard catch early in the fourth quarter, though his lack of production was more a product of the 49ers' overall struggles rather than his own. Kittle battled multiple lower-body injuries throughout the regular season, though he ended the campaign with at least seven targets and five receptions in each of his last three games.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Status in question for Saturday
Rotowire
Kittle (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Seahawks, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Kittle has been tending to a mid-to-low ankle sprain that sidelined him Week 17 against the Bears, but after logging back-to-back limited sessions to kick off Week 18 prep and then telling Vic Tafur of The Athletic on Wednesday that he "absolutely" expects to play this weekend, he appears to be trending in the right direction to suit up. Ultimately, Kittle's status will be confirmed about 90 minutes before an 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Stays limited at practice
Rotowire
Kittle (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Kittle missed the 49ers' Week 17 win against the Bears due to a mid-to-low ankle sprain that he suffered one week prior at Indianapolis. He maintained his activity level from Tuesday, and GM John Lynch relayed to Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News on Wednesday that Kittle and other key 49ers were trending toward suiting up Saturday versus the Seahawks. Kittle himself told Vic Tafur of The Athletic that he "absolutely" expects to play this weekend, but Thursday's injury report will reveal whether or not he has a designation for Week 18 action.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Will be limited Tuesday
Rotowire
Kittle (ankle) will be a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
Kittle sat out all three of the 49ers' practices last week due to a left ankle sprain before ultimately missing this past Sunday's 42-38 win over the Bears. His return to the field Tuesday would seem to give Kittle a decent chance of returning for Saturday's regular-season finale versus the Seahawks. In Kittle's absence against Chicago, Jake Tonges played 69 percent of the offensive snaps and produced a useful 7-60-1 receiving line on nine targets.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Officially inactive in Week 17
Rotowire
Kittle (ankle) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Bears, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.
Kittle came out of last Monday's win at Indianapolis with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. The health concern didn't allow Kittle to practice in any capacity during Week 17 prep, with GM John Lynch (via KNBR San Francisco) and coach Kyle Shanahan (per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com) implying Friday that the veteran tight end's status would come down to a game-time decision. Adam Schefter of ESPN then reported Sunday morning that Kittle was "highly unlikely" to suit up, and his lack of availability now has been confirmed. Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell will split TE duties in Kittle's absence, with the former more likely to contribute as a pass catcher.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Likely to be game-time decision
Rotowire
San Francisco general manager John Lynch said Friday that the status of Kittle (ankle) for Sunday night's game against the Bears will likely be a game-dime decision, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
Kittle was listed as a non-participant at practice Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday's injury report will both reveal whether he was able to get on the field as at least a limited participant, and his official injury diagnosis for Week 17. That said, it seems likely that Kittle will garner a 'questionable' designation for Sunday Night Football. The star tight end's status will be made official, one way or another, no later than 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. Jake Tonges will stand to operate as San Francisco's top pass-catching tight end in the event that Kittle is ruled out, presenting fantasy managers with a potential pivot option.
... See More... See Less
49ers' George Kittle: Remains DNP on Thursday
Rotowire
Kittle (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
Kittle now has gone down as a DNP on both the 49ers' practice reports since he left Monday's win at Indianapolis in the third quarter due to a left ankle injury and wasn't able to return. He's reportedly dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, and Kittle has one more chance to mix into drills Friday before San Francisco potentially makes a ruling on his status for Sunday's game against the Bears. Jake Tonges would be the favorite to step into a pass-catching role among the team's remaining tight ends if Kittle is inhibited or sidelined Week 17.
