Rival NFC executive refuses to doubt George Kittle after latest injury, which differs slightly from how another 49ers star was viewed
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is currently battling his way back from another serious injury going into his 10th season with the team, but it’s clear no one is daring to doubt the bounce back season he can have in 2026.
To doubt San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and his place among the top players at his position is a fool’s game to play. Yet, no challenge has tested Kittle more than the one awaiting him entering his 10th NFL season.
Kittle suffered an Achilles tear in the NFC Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles and underwent surgery on Jan. 14. The recovery process from such an injury is daunting for any player, much less for a player as explosive as Kittle is and not to mention he’s 32-years-old. And yet, Kittle aims to be back by Week 1 and be just as dominant as ever.
“I’m a little bit ahead of schedule, so I’m trying new things,” Kittle said in late June on Pardon My Take. “My trainers are like, ‘Yeah, just simmer just a little bit.’ Basically, what my surgeon told me is don’t be a dumba**, and I’m trying my best to just not be a dumba**… I am on a tight leash, but I’m pulling as hard as I can.”
George Kittle has full support from NFL executives, scouts, and coaches that he will bounce back in 2026
As tough of a feat that Kittle is looking to pull of is, I need to remind you that it’s a fool’s game to try and doubt what this guy can do. And prominent voices around the NFL feel the same way based on ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler’s Top-10 tight end rankings as voted on by league executives, coaches, and scouts going into the 2026 season.
Kittle came in at No. 3 on the list, with Brock Bowers and Trey McBride being the two tight ends ranked ahead of him, a step down from his No. 2 spot in 2025. One voter had Kittle ranked as high as No. 1 with his lowest vote being No. 8. That’s a good a sign as any that the league expected Kittle to bounce back in 2026 despite his latest injury.
“Injuries and durability are becoming a concern, but when he’s healthy, he’s still the most versatile, dominant, complete tight end,” an NFC executive said. “He’s still the gold standard for blocking, running and catching.”
That’s high praise and it’s warranted. When Kittle’s on the field, he’s one of the most dominant pass catchers in the sport, there’s no question about it, and an A+ level blocker as well. He’s on a Hall of Fame trajectory and while these injuries are becoming a concern, they still aren’t slowing him down one bit.
The praise that executive had for Kittle, however, does differ a bit from what one unnamed NFC executive had to say about Kittle’s teammate Christian McCaffrey.
“He’s declined some — I think you will see more juice if he doesn’t have to be the focal point of both the run and pass game,” a rival NFC executive said of McCaffrey. “But he’s such an elite overall player with versatility who takes care of himself that he can be a top guy for at least one more year.”
That evaluation of McCaffrey shows there is some doubt in his game and how long he can actually keep up his star production. With Kittle, however, there was zero doubt that, when healthy, he can continue being one of the best in the game. Again, you’d be a fool if you think anything different. And whoever ranked him No. 8 is certainly a fool.