San Francisco 49ers stars George Kittle (Image via Getty Images)
Because of how quickly he has recovered, his return is especially notable. George Kittle’s return has been one of the biggest questions surrounding the San Francisco 49ers ahead of their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. After months of rehabilitation from a serious Achilles injury, the veteran tight end has reached the final stage of his comeback. His presence could add a major boost to Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense in their highly anticipated Australia clash. Yes, George Kittle is expected to play against the Los Angeles Rams tonight. Kittle has been left off the 49ers’ official injury report, clearing the way for him to make his return in Melbourne. The development ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding whether the seven-time Pro Bowl tight end would be ready for the season opener. Kittle tore his right Achilles tendon during San Francisco’s wild-card playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in January. An Achilles injury can require a long recovery, yet Kittle is now positioned to play just over seven months after suffering the tear.
After months of waiting, the 49ers are finally set to see their star tight end back on the field. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
For San Francisco, protecting its star tight end for the long season may matter more than maximizing his workload in Week 1. The veteran has built an impressive career since the 49ers selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He enters the matchup with 595 career receptions, 8,008 receiving yards and 52 touchdowns across 124 games. Kittle recorded 57 catches for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in just 11 games last season before the injury.
“We got to be smart with that,” Shanahan said. “He did everything he could to get back for Week 1,” Purdy said. I’d say I’ve really taken a step back towards playing,” Kittle said.
The 49ers are still expected to manage his workload. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has made it clear that Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa will not simply be thrown into their usual workloads after lengthy injury absences. “They both look great and stuff, but we also definitely have to be smart with that. That approach means Kittle could see fewer snaps than usual, even if he is healthy enough to play. Kittle’s return could change the way the Rams defend San Francisco. He is not only a reliable target for Purdy but also one of the league’s strongest blocking tight ends. His recent production also shows what San Francisco has been missing. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Brock Purdy has seen the work Kittle put into his rehabilitation and believes the comeback deserves recognition. “That’s a credit to him. That’s actually remarkable to be able to have that kind of injury and do what he did to get back. Kittle has also remained confident in how his body has responded during the demanding recovery. “Body feels really good. It’s bounced back really good. Now, the next challenge arrives in Melbourne. Kittle may not play every snap, but simply having him available gives Purdy another trusted weapon against a talented Rams defense.