George Kittle has chance to return for 49ers in Week 1

Reserve/PUP would have cost him at least four games

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 231 min read

And more info here on the why… Via @RapSheet on X

What happened: San Francisco activated Kittle from active/PUP on Aug. 23, clearing him to practice. The tight end has been rehabilitating an Achilles tear sustained in January.

Why it matters: The roster move preserves Kittle’s availability for the start of the 2026 season. Returning for the opener would complete an approximately eight-month recovery.

By the numbers: Kittle’s Week 1 target comes roughly eight months after his January Achilles tear. A move to reserve/PUP would have required a minimum four-game absence.

What to watch: Kittle’s practice participation and final Week 1 injury designation will determine whether he plays in the opener.

Sources

@RapSheet 2026-08-23T17:13:56.729671+00:00

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