49ers TE George Kittle (Achilles) opened training camp on the PUP list. But GM John Lynch said his rehab is going "tremendous" and that he could play in the season opener. "He’s doing really well, and that’s very exciting," Lynch added. "He’s doing everything possible to be ready for Week 1, and we’re thrilled with his progress."
What They're Saying
More from Lynch on Kittle's Week 1 chances: "I saw Dr. ElAttrache, who did the surgery, and he went on and on about how fast George was healing. We’ll be very careful, but if he’s ready, he’s ready. I think that’s what he’s eager to show us. He’s been tremendous in the process, and that kinda speaks to who George is."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Clear Risk, Clearer Upside
Kittle opening training camp on the PUP list isn't surprising or especially impactful this early in the summer. He can come off PUP at any time and be eligible to play Week 1.
Kittle's status for the season opener is complicated by the fact that it's in Australia. That's a long trip for a guy coming off a serious injury.
We're tentatively expecting Kittle to miss the first two games, though that might be the pessimistic end of the range. We'll keep tracking his progress.
Even with those two projected absences, Kittle sits TE9 in our PPR rankings. The risk is obvious for a 32-year-old coming off a torn Achilles. But you won't find many (any?) higher-upside picks in Round 9 of fantasy drafts.
Kittle remained awesome last year, ranking top five among 49 qualifying TEs in targets per route, yards per route, and Pro Football Focus receiving grade. He finished third at the position in PPR points per game across his 10 full outings.
