The San Francisco 49ers are inching closer to their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, Sep. 10.
The 49ers have completed their open training camp portion of the offseason. They played two of their three preseason games.
San Francisco narrowly lost 19-13 against the Tennessee Titans. The 49ers mainly played their backups against the Titans’ starters in their first preseason game.
But the 49ers dominated the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 on Thursday.
49ers Announce Major George Kittle Roster DecisionThe San Francisco 49ers announced that they have activated star tight end George Kittle from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List on Sunday.
The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have activated TE George Kittle from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 23, 2026
Despite the activation, the move does not necessarily guarantee that Kittle will be able to play Week 1. But it is another step in the right direction.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports reported, “George Kittle foreshadowed he would soon be activated off PUP when I asked him about it last week. This does not guarantee Kittle will be available to play Week 1, but it’s a big step in that direction.”
The 7-time Pro Bowler can now begin practicing with the team.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is carted off the field during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Kittle suffered a torn right Achilles during the 49ers’ playoff win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11 earlier this year. The tight end has shown significant strides during his recovery throughout the offseason.
Specifically, Kittle had an encouraging visit with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery on his Achilles injury, on Wednesday. It gave him a legitimate chance to play in the regular season opener, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Aug. 20.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: Demarcus Robinson #5 and George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Robinson’s receiving touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Social Media Reactions to the George Kittle NewsHere are some social media reactions after the 49ers activated George Kittle from the PUP list.
David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard: “No more PUP for GeorgeKittle means that the 49ers, at the very least, are confident that he’ll be back before Week 5. But signs point to a return far before then, and Week 1 cannot be ruled out.”
Dr. Jesse Morse: “GeorgeKittle was activated from the PUP today. Very impressive since he’s barely 8 months out from Achilles reconstructive surgery.”
Nick Wagoner of ESPN: “49ers activate TE GeorgeKittle from PUP list. He said “sooner than later” he’d return to practice. Sounds like sooner has arrived.”
OurSF49ers: “The fact that GeorgeKittle is making a return ONLY 7 months following an Achilles tear is incredible! His healing powers are supernatural!”
Ari Meirov: “TE GeorgeKittle, who tore his Achilles in January, is coming off the PUP list today and he can now begin practicing. This gives him a chance to play in Week 1 vs. the Rams in Australia, though there is still a chance the team plays it safe considering the travel.”
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