San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle offered an upbeat outlook this week on his recovery from a serious lower-leg injury and his prospects for the season opener.
The veteran said he believes he has a solid shot at suiting up against the Los Angeles Rams when the teams meet in Week 1. That contest is scheduled for Sept. 10 in Melbourne, Australia, with a 8:35 p.m. ET kickoff.
Kittle made the comments during a recent appearance on the “Chris Simms Unbuttoned” podcast. The remarks quickly drew attention as the 49ers prepare to open training camp.
“I like my chances,” Kittle said. “I really do. I know I’m in a great spot, besides being late for rehab because of you. But besides that, the last couple of weeks, I was back into running routes. I’m definitely not 100%, but I feel like I’m at a spot where I think I can get there by Week 1.”
The 32-year-old tore his Achilles tendon on Jan. 11. Conventional recovery timelines for that injury often push players past the early part of the following season. Yet reports have indicated Kittle has progressed faster than expected since the spring. He has resumed running routes in recent weeks, a positive sign as camp approaches.
Team officials and medical staff will still make the final call on his availability. The long flight to Australia and back raises separate questions about whether the travel could slow his overall progress for the rest of the year.
Kittle himself acknowledged that caution will guide any decision.
“If it’s a stretch to go play in Australia, hey, we won’t do it,” Kittle said. “But I do feel confident that I have a chance to play. And so, I’m really excited about that, and it’s been very easy for me to light a fire every single day. It’s just because I know I have a chance, and I’m just going to attack it every single day and put me in a position to succeed.”
Veteran players on the 49ers roster are set to report to training camp on Saturday. That timeline gives Kittle a bit more runway to continue his rehabilitation work under team supervision. The tight end has long been a cornerstone of the San Francisco offense, known for his blocking and receiving production.
Missing the opener would force the coaching staff to adjust the game plan against a familiar NFC West rival.
Still, Kittle’s comments suggest he remains motivated and focused on a potential early return. He has framed the possibility of playing as a daily motivator rather than a distant goal. Whether he ultimately takes the field in Melbourne will depend on medical clearance and how his body responds in the coming weeks.
For now, the star tight end has made clear that he intends to push hard toward that target while staying realistic about the risks.
