ESPN’s Adam Schefter reveals George Kittle’s hopes of returning for the season opener is far from certain
The San Francisco 49ers open its 2026 regular season in Australia against the division rival Los Angeles Rams, and it’s still uncertain whether the 49ers open the season with one of its top offensive weapons.
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most highly anticipated Week 1 matchups to open the season when the team travels to Australia to take on the Los Angeles Rams, and it’s still unclear whether or not the 49ers will have one of its top offensive weapons on the field for the season opener.
Star tight end George Kittle is pushing to be back for the Week 1 contest after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles back on Jan. 14. Being back so soon from such a serious injury is no small feat, but it’s clear Kittle is determined to be back for that game.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter doesn’t see that being a surefire outcome and the fact the 49ers are making a 16-hour trip for that game doesn’t help Kittle’s chances.
“George Kittle’s coming back from his injury and he feels like he’s going to be ready for that regular season opener in Australia against the Rams. But, the 49ers may be very careful and let’s see if he makes it back,” Schefter explained on his podcast. “I don’t think it’s a given, just yet.”
The 49ers aren’t showing any doubt about George Kittle making a Week 1 return
Again, what Kittle is attempting to pull off is a rare feat but no one seems to be doubting his chances of actually making it back for the season opener. A few weeks back, Kittle provided a recovery update noting that he’s “a little bit ahead of schedule” and pulling as hard as he can on his tight leash. His latest workout video offered some encouragement as well for his rehab process.
The 49ers would be smart to play things safe with Kittle when it comes to the Week 1 matchup, especially due to the lengthy travel distance. However, if he shows real progress over the next few weeks back in the facilities, never say never. His teammates certainly aren’t.
βI really [do] feel that way,β 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. βI was so impressed by the way he was moving [at Tight End U], and I was impressed the last week of OTAs, how he was moving. He was doing this zigzag drill, and he told me he had reached like 16 miles an hour that day. I was already impressed with that. But then, seeing him go through that warm-up, I was like, βWow, I really do think there is a chance that heβs ready for Week 1.ββ
It’s going to be a true race against time for Kittle’s hopes of playing in that highly anticipated season opener. The big tell will be how soon Kittle is fully back on the field at training camp over the next couple of weeks.