There is another positive update on 49ers tight end George Kittle, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in January.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Kittle visited surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Wednesday, and the result was encouraging. Kittle’s recovery process is considered ahead of schedule, and he now has a legitimate chance to play in the 49ers’ Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Australia.
Kittle is currently on the active/physically unable to perform list, so he hasn’t practiced during training camp. But he said within the last week that he’s confident that he will not remain on it to start the regular season, which would keep him out for at least the first four games.
The 49ers will have to take Kittle off of the PUP list by Aug. 30 to have him available to start the season.
Kittle tore his right Achilles in a Jan. 11 playoff game against the Eagles. He underwent surgery three days later, with ElAttrache, the Rams’ team physician, repairing the tendon.
Kittle made his seventh career Pro Bowl last season despite playing only 11 regular-season games due to hamstring and ankle injuries.