The San Francisco 49ers announced on Sunday that they have activated TE George Kittle from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Kittle is expected to take part in individual drills on Sunday, but it is not known whether he will participate in the team's 11-on-11 drills.
Kittle has been recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered on January 11, during the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers won that game 23-19, but lost their star tight end for the rest of the postseason.
Last week, Kittle said he was very confident he would not begin the season on PUP and suggested he would return "sooner than later."
With Kittle being activated from the PUP list, this means he will not have to miss the first four games of the season. Whether or not he makes the trip to Australia and plays in the opener against the Los Angeles Rams remains to be seen. The Pro Bowl tight end has not ruled out playing in week one, but has also not committed to doing so.
Getting Kittle back will be a big boost to a 49ers' offense that boasts an upgraded wide receiver room. But it's a room that includes multiple players who have yet to play a regular-season game with QB Brock Purdy. So having one of Purdy's top weapons at back will be important for Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Last season, Kittle played in only 11 games, but still had 57 receptions for 628 yards and 7 touchdowns.
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