San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during the Wild Card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, forcing him to miss the following week's Divisional Round matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

Initially, the injury was viewed as one that could sideline Kittle for a significant portion of the 2026 NFL season. However, the recovery timeline quickly shifted, creating optimism that the star tight end could return as early as Week 1.


Still, nothing is guaranteed—especially with the 49ers opening the regular season more than 7,800 miles from home. San Francisco is set to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, marking the NFL's first regular-season game played in the country.

Kittle hopes to be on the field with his teammates for the historic opener, though he acknowledged the challenges of such extensive travel while recovering from a major injury. The All-Pro tight end recently spoke with Baker Machado of Front Office Sports about his chances of being ready for Week 1 (h/t to Oliver G. of Niners Wire).

"Hey, that's the goal. That's what my goal is," Kittle said. "I was told it's not a crazy goal. 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—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."

The 49ers have not hidden their feelings about opening the season in Australia. While the organization understands the NFL's effort to expand the sport's global reach, players and coaches have acknowledged they would have preferred to avoid such a lengthy trip.


For now, Kittle's Week 1 availability remains uncertain.

"At least, if we started the season off at home, and I didn't have to hop on a plane for 15 hours, it might be different," Kittle said. "But I think it just depends on how I'm feeling, if I'm cleared to go. If I'm cleared, hey, I'll be there, and I'll be on the field. And if they're like, 'Hey, it's close,' it'll be a game-time decision. So, we'll see.

"Everybody keeps telling me I won't be back until Week 6, 7, or 8, and I'll be like, 'You guys believe whatever you want to believe.' My goal is to be back there as early as possible."



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