George Kittle Activated From PUP List as 49ers Eye Week 1 Return
The veteran tight end, recovering from a ruptured Achilles, can resume practicing as San Francisco weighs his availability for the Sept. 10 opener against the Rams.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — George Kittle has been activated from the physically unable to perform list, taking another significant step toward a potential return for the San Francisco 49ers' season opener.
Kittle, who has been recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during the playoffs, was removed from the PUP list Sunday. The move allows the veteran tight end to resume practicing with the team as San Francisco prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
The 49ers have remained cautious with Kittle throughout training camp, but his activation provides the clearest indication yet that the team believes he has a chance to return early in the season. Kittle is expected to practice this week as San Francisco evaluates how he responds to increased football activity.
Kittle's potential return would be a major boost for an offense already dealing with uncertainty at running back. The veteran tight end has established himself as one of quarterback Brock Purdy's most trusted targets and remains a critical part of Kyle Shanahan's offensive system.
The 49ers will have to determine whether Kittle is ready to handle a full workload before the opener. His activation does not guarantee that he will play in Week 1, but it keeps the possibility firmly on the table.
San Francisco opens the regular season against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10.
