George Kittle’s status for the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams remains uncertain, but the latest roster activity suggests a return could be moving closer to reality.
San Francisco’s decision to waive tight end Bradyen Willis and bring him back on the practice squad creates a clearer path for Kittle to rejoin the active mix, leaving a potential opening for the veteran star.
After Tuesday’s practice in Australia, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy praised the work Kittle has put into his recovery. Purdy described the tight end’s progress as “awesome” and said that, from a quarterback’s perspective, seeing him back on the field feels “really good.”
“Obviously George is very electric with his personality and all that, with what he brings to the team,” Purdy told reporters. “Just seeing him back on the field, running around, and how explosive he is as a tight end, it’s like, ‘Alright, it feels really good to have him back.’”
Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, has spent the offseason working his way back from a ruptured Achilles suffered during last season’s NFC Wild Card game. The injury occurred in the second quarter shortly after he made his first catch of the contest, forcing him out immediately.
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Kittle went into the 49ers locker room to have himself looked at, and would never return to the game.
Generally, the return timeframe from an Achilles injury is a 9-12 month period. Kittle has been expected to return by eight.
When he was with the 49ers over the offseason, he was seen working out in the team’s facility during OTAs and training camp. He was also spotted posting videos of him working out from his home in Tennessee, showing his recovery at a rapid pace.
“He did everything he could to get back for Week 1,” Purdy said. “That’s a credit to him. That’s actually remarkable to be able to have that kind of injury and do what he did to get back.”
As of now, it appears it’ll come down to the wire on if Kittle will be playing against the Rams, when the two teams are scheduled to take the field at 10:35 AM on Friday in Australia.