George Kittle takes major step toward 49ers Week 1 return

· California Post

The 49ers could have one of their most important players back in action soon.

The 49ers announced that they’ve activated star tight end George Kittle from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List on Sunday.

This means that Kittle has been medically cleared to return to play after he tore his Achilles during the postseason and can now practice in full with the team, where he had been doing rehab drills and individual work off to the side of the team’s regular activities to this point.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle watches from the sideline before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kittle’s activation doesn’t necessarily guarantee that he’ll play in the 49ers’ Week 1 game against the Rams in Australia. But this marks a major step in his return and indicates that there’s at least a chance he could suit up for the regular-season opener.

The 49ers have already been hit with the injury bug in the preseason. But this news about Kittle could be the catalyst for the team getting healthy for the season.

George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field after a loss against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Dec. 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Getty Images) Getty Images