49ers tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles in January during San Francisco's postseason win over Philadelphia.
He's trying hard to return in time for Week 1. But the 49ers' season-opening trip to Australia to face the Rams on Thursday of that week (which will be Friday in Melbourne) adds a layer of complication.
In a recent interview with Front Office Sports, Kittle noted that playing in that matchup is his goal.
"I was told it's not a crazy goal," Kittle said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. "And so, as long as I keep on the right path and everything goes the right way, hey, I got a chance.
"As a 15-hour flight and a game like four days before a normal opening day, that might make it a little bit difficult â?? sure, but who doesn't like a challenge? So, no, I've got a chance, like I said, so just going to keep my head down, keep grinding every single day."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been quite clear about his frustrations with starting 2026 so far from home. Kittle didn't go nearly as far as Shanahan with his comments, but he did admit that he'd prefer to...