49ers TE George Kittle has a "legitimate chance" to play in Week 1 against the Rams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Kittle was activated from the PUP list on August 23 and has dodged any setbacks in his return from an Achilles tear, Schefter adds.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Eighth-Round Upside Remains
HC Kyle Shanahan raised eyebrows earlier this week when he said Kittle "took a step back." He presumably meant Kittle took a step toward a return to game action (and will hopefully be more clear going forward!).
We're still skeptical that Kittle will make the trip to Australia for the opener, and he'd be a risky Week 1 fantasy start even if he plays. But Kittle remains on track to be a potential fantasy starter by the end of September.
That timetable still leaves Kittle as an upside target at his eighth-round ADP.
