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George Kittle’s season nearly ended as the San Phrasico 49ers tight end tore his right Achilles on Jan. 11 during San Francisco’s wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, going down after a six-yard reception and getting carted off with six minutes left in the first half. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the tear after the game, and the typical recovery window for that injury runs upward of six months, putting Kittle’s availability for the start of the 2026 season in serious doubt. Kittle spent training camp on the physically unable to perform list as a result, sidelined from practice while he worked through what he called “the most boring rehab in the entire world.” However, he has now got the green light to begin practicing. 49ers activate George Kittle from PUP list San Francisco officially took George Kittle off the PUP list this week, clearing him to begin practicing with the team. His surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who repaired his Achilles in January, just gave him a great checkup. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Kittle’s recovery is ahead of schedule, giving him a real shot at playing in the opener. #49ers TE George Kittle, who tore his Achilles in January, is coming off the PUP list today and he can now begin practicing. This gives him a chance to play in Week 1 vs. the Rams in Australia, though there is still a chance the team plays it safe considering the travel. pic.twitter.com/AkoDIcug69 — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 23, 2026 Just because he is back at practice doesn’t mean he will definitely play against the Los Angeles Rams. The team still needs to see how his leg handles hitting in pads for the first time since the injury. Plus, they have to consider the brutal flight to Melbourne, Australia for the September 10 game. Kittle himself said he probably won’t even get on the plane unless the team actually plans to play him. Still, getting him back on the field is a huge boost for the team. Kittle had to be activated by August 30 to avoid the regular-season PUP list, which would have forced him to sit out the first four games no matter how good he felt. With that tension no longer existing, the seven-time Pro Bowler can now focus on returning for Week 1 against a major division rival. His return was necessary since teammates like Isaac Guerendo and Mykel Williams are still stuck on the PUP list and will likely miss the start of the year. The 49ers’ passing game relies heavily on Kittle as both a playmaker and a blocker. Before his injury last season, he caught 57 passes for 628 yards in just 11 games. How he handles practice over the next two weeks will tell us if he’s ready to hop on the plane to Australia, and whether he’ll be in the lineup to face the Rams. More NFL News: - Shedeur Sanders Gets Crucial Ultimatum From Browns GM As Deshaun Watson Battle Heats Up - Shedeur Sanders Receives Bold Browns Starting QB Prediction Over Deshaun Watson - Panthers WR Shares Support For Shedeur Sanders In Browns QB1 Battle - Browns Fans Show No Mercy For Deshaun Watson’s Lavish Italy Vacation With Wife Jilly Anais