San Francisco 49ers make expected decision with star TE George Kittle to open training camp
The San Francisco 49ers placed four players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start training camp, including star tight end George Kittle and former first-round pick Mykel Williams.
The San Francisco 49ers placed tight end George Kittle on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as veterans reported back for the start of training camp on Saturday, a widely expected move given the veteran’s ongoing recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.
The 49ers also placed former first-round pick Mykel Williams (ACL), running back Isaac Guerendo (pec), and defensive lineman Alfred Collins (shoulder) on the PUP list to start camp, leaving San Francisco without four key contributors as practice is set to begin.
What is the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list?
Players who aren’t healthy enough to pass the conditioning test at the beginning of training camp will be placed on the Active/PUP list.
- Players on the Active/PUP list still count against the 90-man roster.
- Players on the Active/PUP list at the start of camp can return to practice at any point.
- Players on the Active/PUP list during 53-man roster cuts are placed on the Reserve/PUP list.
- Players placed on the Reserve/PUP list must miss at least four regular-season games before becoming eligible to return.
George Kittle’s Achilles recovery remains on track despite this latest news
Kittle tore his Achilles back in January and has been rehabbing ever since, though he has indicated he is ahead of schedule and hopes to return for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.
“George’s rehab is coming tremendous,” 49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters on Saturday. “I know you guys have heard from him and he’s doing really well. And that’s very exciting. He’s doing everything possible to be ready for week one. And we’re thrilled with his progress.”
The decision was always the logical one for San Francisco. Rushing Kittle back for the start of training camp would have served no purpose given the severity of the injury and where he stands in the recovery process. With Kittle sidelined to start camp, Jake Tonges will take his place alongside the first-team offense.
The 49ers clearly want to be cautious with one of the best tight ends in football, and the PUP list gives them that flexibility to start camp while also saving Kittle from himself.
Guerendo, Williams, and Collins also sidelined to open camp
Beyond Kittle, the 49ers will be without a running back and two defensive linemen to start camp. Williams, the team’s first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, Guerendo, and Collins all landed on the PUP list as well.
Guerendo suffered a torn pectoral muscle while lifting weights in late April and underwent surgery to repair the injury. He was always expected to miss the start of camp but the hope is that the third-year back will be ready by the start of the season. Williams is still recovering from a torn right ACL and lateral meniscus damage he suffered back in November while Collins is still working his way back from a shoulder surgery he underwent at the end of the 2025-26 season.
For the 49ers, the priority right now is getting healthy bodies back on the field before the regular season. Kittle’s timeline will be the one to monitor most closely given his importance to the offense, but having Williams and Collins unavailable adds another layer to track on the defensive front as camp progresses.
It remains to be seen how quickly any of the three players can return to full participation, but for now, San Francisco will move forward with the next men up as the team begins preparations for the 2026 season. The 49ers’ first training camp practice is set for Sunday.