George Kittle hints at week 1 return against Rams

A question the San Francisco 49ers have ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is whether or not veteran tight end George Kittle will be playing.

Kittle has been working his way back from a ruptured Achilles injury he suffered during the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season and told reporters about his recovery progress.

“Body feels really good. It’s bounced back really good. I’d say I’ve really taken a step back towards playing,” Kittle said to reporters.

The seven-time Pro Bowler added that he isn’t sure what his workload will be and said that he and everyone else will find out if he’s playing when they take the field in Australia on Friday.

Kittle’s road to recovery has been a long and enduring challenge that he’s fully embraced.

His teammate and quarterback Brock Purdy told reporters on Tuesday that it’s been “remarkable” watching him work his way back.

The timeframe to recover from his injury typically takes 9-12 months before players return to the football field. Kittle has been adamant about doing it within eight months, and being ready by week 1.

Six months after the injury happened, Kittle posted a video of himself working out in his Tennessee home where and was seen deadlifting over 665 pounds.

His teammate Kyle Juszczyk told reporters on Tuesday that it’s been “incredible” watching him through his rehab process.

“It didn’t matter if he had to get up at 5:30 in the morning to do it, or if we didn’t get back to the hotel until 12, he was over there with a towel picking it up with his toes, constantly doing something,” Juszczyk said. “It was awesome to always see that it was on the back of his mind; it was always a priority of his.”

Last month, Kittle took a major step towards his return when the 49ers activated him from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List, and he has been participating in drills at practice.

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