49ers TE George Kittle’s ‘eye-popping’ recovery progress has Rapoport impressed

There may be some who doubt that San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will be ready to suit up for Week 1 after suffering a torn Achilles in last season's playoffs. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport is not among the doubters.

Rapoport had an opportunity to observe Kittle during a recent 49ers training camp practice, and there is little doubt in the insider's mind that the tight end's goal of facing the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, for the season opener is realistic.

"When I was in Santa Clara about a week or so ago, finishing up Inside Training Camp, I had the opportunity to watch George Kittle do his workout, kind of alongside practice, pre-practice," Rapoport said on NFL Network's The Insiders. "It was eye-popping. It was really good. It was really fast. It was looking like a player who is basically going full speed.

"You listen to George Kittle say it—the fact that the numbers are basically what he wants—is an unbelievable thing. He is seven months out from an Achilles injury. Now, generally players do not get back on the field until nine months. The season starts about eight months after him tearing his Achilles."

While Kittle will sit out Week 1 if that is what the 49ers believe is best for his long-term health, the veteran tight end remains incredibly optimistic that he will be ready for the start of the season.

In fact, Kittle believes a return to practice could happen sooner rather than later. Based on what Rapoport and others have seen from the tight end's work on the side during training camp, that possibility appears increasingly realistic.

"But you listen to George Kittle, listen to 49ers people, at least there is a chance," Rapoport continued. "No one is saying for sure that it's going to happen. And it is an unbelievably long season, especially now, with 17 games. They want to make sure that one of their best players on their roster, regardless of position, is in position to contribute in December and January.

"But the fact that George Kittle has a realistic chance of playing Week 1, of being out on the field, is incredible. He is not wrong. He's got a shot."