Alright, here we go. Get this: George Kittle, that tight end for the 49ers, is reportedly way ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn Achilles, and he’s got a legitimate shot to play in Week 1. Seriously, a torn Achilles! It just doesn’t sound right, but that’s the word coming out of the Bay.
Kittle’s Wild Comeback Story Is Already Brewing
This dude ripped his right Achilles in a playoff game against the Eagles back in January. Just three days later, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Rams’ team physician, handled the surgery. Fast forward to this past Wednesday, Kittle was back with Dr. ElAttrache in Los Angeles for a check-up, and the news was apparently super encouraging. We are talking about a guy who tore his Achilles in January, and now, in late August, there is a legitimate chance he hits the field for the season opener. That’s just wild, man. It shows how much these athletes push themselves, but also, how good these doctors are.
The PUP List Deadline Looms Large
Right now, Kittle is on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, so he hasn’t been out there practicing during training camp. That’s a big deal. If he stays on that list to start the season, he misses at least the first four games. But Kittle himself has been saying he is confident he won’t be stuck there. The 49ers have a hard deadline: August 30. If they want him available for Week 1, they have to take him off the PUP list by then. Think about it, the guy played only 11 regular season games last year because of hamstring and ankle issues, and still made his seventh career Pro Bowl. Imagine what he could do if he is healthy, especially after rehabbing like this.
The 49ers are set to kick off their season in Australia against the Rams. All eyes will be on that August 30 deadline to see if Kittle is officially cleared to suit up. If he is, the NFC West just got a whole lot tougher, a lot faster than anyone expected.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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