Aiming to play Week 1
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that Kittle (Achilles) is aiming to be ready for the 49ers' Week 1 game against the Rams, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
This has been the sentiment all offseason after Kittle suffered a "clean" tear near the soleus muscle higher up on the Achilles in the 49ers' wild-card win over Philadelphia back in January, which typically results in a quicker rehab process. Working against Kittle, however, is his advanced age (32 years old) and just eight months between the injury and Week 1. The 49ers are surely going to be careful with Kittle and not rush him back just to have him at less than 100 percent for the first game of the 2026 season. Jake Tonges (foot) would be next in line at tight end if Kittle isn't ready to face Los Angeles in four months.
More San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Football News
De'Zhaun Stribling
Pick motivated by intangibles?
The 49ers' selection of Stribling at No. 33 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft was partially motivated by the organization's strong belief in his personality, leadership and work ethic, according to Matt Barrow of The Athletic.
Kaelon Black
In RB2 mix behind CMC
Black is set to compete with recent draft picks Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for backup touches behind Christian McCaffrey, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.
Kaelon Black
Picked by 49ers
The 49ers selected Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 90th overall.
Romello Height
Drafted by San Francisco
The 49ers selected Height in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 70th overall.
De'Zhaun Stribling
Picked by 49ers
The 49ers selected Stribling in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 33rd overall.
Christian McCaffrey
To receive more rest in 2026
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that "in order to have [McCaffrey] be as good as he can be throughout the whole year, we've got to get someone to help him," Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
George Kittle
GM hopes for Week 1 return
49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters Sunday that he is "hopeful" that Kittle (Achilles) will be available for Week 1 of the 2026 season, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Christian Kirk
Joining forces with Niners
Kirk is slated to sign a one-year, $6 million contract with San Francisco, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
Brandon Aiyuk
Still likely to be released
The 49ers are still expected to move on from Aiyuk (knee) but won't necessarily release him Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Jake Tonges
Signs extension
Tonges (foot) is signing a two-year, $8 million contract to stay with the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.