The 49ers activated TE George Kittle off the Physically Unable to Perform list today. Kittle tore his right Achilles in the wildcard round of the playoffs against the Eagles on January 11. He has stated his aim was to play Week 1 of the season, and this is the first step to achieving that.
What They're Saying: Week 1 Still Alive
Adam Schefter, ESPN: “The San Francisco 49ers activated tight end George Kittle from the physically unable to perform list Sunday, the most significant step yet in his return from a torn right Achilles.”
Nick Wagoner, ESPN: “Kittle has maintained since suffering the injury in January that he would have a chance to be back for the team's Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Along the way, Kittle has hit every benchmark the team has put in front of him and said recently that he'd be back to practice "sooner than later" without offering a specific timeline.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Activation Boosts the Outlook
It's still up in the air whether Kittle will play against the Rams in Week 1. Even if he is active, the 49ers could ease him in slowly.
The Australia opener adds another variable to Kittle's status. It's a long trip for a player coming off a serious injury, and the 'Niners host the Dolphins in Week 2.
We've been tentatively expecting Kittle to miss the opener, though that might change now with Kittle off the PUP and practicing more than two weeks before the game.
Even with a projected Week 1 absence, Kittle still sits TE8 in our PPR TE Rankings.
We'll monitor Kittle's injury and practice status moving forward.
