San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered during last season's playoffs. After looking sharp during on-field workouts at Tight End University (TEU), optimism continues to grow that Kittle could be ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Another positive update came this week from 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, one of Kittle's closest friends and longtime teammates.
Speaking with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe, Juszczyk expressed confidence that Kittle could be available for Week 1, when San Francisco opens the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.
"I really did feel that way," Juszczyk said when asked if he believes Kittle could be suited up for the international matchup. "I was so impressed by the way he was moving (at TEU), and I was impressed the last week of OTAs, how he was moving. He was doing this zigzag drill, and he told me he had reached like 16 miles an hour that day. I was already impressed with that.
"But then, seeing him go through that warm-up, I was like, 'Wow, I really do think there is a chance that he's ready for Week 1.'"
Kittle has previously acknowledged that he's had to resist the temptation to push himself too hard during his rehabilitation, but believes he's ahead of schedule.
Juszczyk is confident that the team will properly manage Kittle's recovery.
"I know him and the trainers are going to be smart about it and not try and risk anything," Juszczyk said, "because we know how much George means to our team, and having him out there more than just one game is important. But I'm feeling good about the possibilities."
Mentioned in this article: Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle
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