49ers’ George Kittle report suggests he could pull off Week 1 comeback

Star tight end George Kittle suffered a brutal Achilles tear injury in January during the San Francisco 49ers’ 23-19 Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. While he has yet to participate in training camp amid working his way back to a possible return, the latest word on the street is that Kittle is making such good progress that there is a chance he plays in the Week 1 opener.

At the very least, reports indicate that the 49ers are expressing some confidence that the 32-year-old tight end could be ready to go by the time the club takes on the Los Angeles Rams in the first game of the new season, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. This is the first news of a potential Week 1 return this offseason.

“49ers star tight end George Kittle continues to make terrific progress working back from the torn Achilles he suffered in January, and there’s a high level of confidence at this point that he’ll end up being able to play Week 1 vs. the Rams, sources tell CBS Sports,” Zenitz reported.

George Kittle was limited to 11 games last season, as he missed six matchups due to lingering lower-body injuries. He missed five contests early last season with a right hamstring tear. The nine-year veteran then missed another game late in the regular season because of a left ankle ligament tear.

Having the two-time First-Team All-Pro back on the field would be huge for San Francisco. Jake Tonges would be expected to fill in as the starter if Kittle is unable to start by Week 1. Kittle ended last season with 57 receptions, 628 yards, and seven touchdowns.