San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is using the offseason to recover from an Achilles tear sustained earlier this year. The latest insight into his recovery was shared by his wife, Claire.
On Saturday, Claire shared a video on Instagram, showcasing the 49ers’ tight end doing some side-to-side exercises and covering some distance horizontally. These are good signs for the Niners, who are hoping to get the TE ready to go by November.
Claire also wrote “5 months” in the overlay message, marking the time since the injury occurred during the NFC wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11.
Kittle suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the playoff game against the Eagles. It happened in the second quarter, right after he caught a reception. He described the injury as feeling “like someone put a shotgun up against my calf and pulled the trigger.”
Kittle had his surgery performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The tight end’s Achilles tendon was high up near the soleus muscle. Notably, it was a clean tear and did not require drilling into the heel bone.
While an Achilles recovery can take up to 9-12 months, the 49ers star is expecting to return much sooner.
George Kittle Reveals New Injury Milestone In Latest Update
After undergoing surgery in January, George Kittle’s return timeline was set in November. Thirteen weeks after the surgery, in April, it was reported that the tight end might end up playing a lot in the 2026 season, meaning the recovery was ahead of schedule.
This month, Kittle has started running over 16 mph, performing single-leg box jumps, and doing cutting drills. The tight end, while discussing his recovery, gave a positive return timeline.
“I’m 21 weeks out, and I’m running over 16 miles per hour, so I’m having a great time. Single-leg box jumps, we’re cutting again, we’re having some fun,” Kittle said.
“I’m a little bit ahead of schedule, so I’m trying new things. My trainers are like, ‘Yeah, just simmer just a little bit.’ Basically, what my surgeon told me is don’t be a dumbass, and I’m trying my best to just not be a dumbass. I am on a tight leash, but I’m pulling as hard as I can.”
Assuming Kittle is correct about his recovery progress and there are no setbacks further, the tight end could return by mid-November.
Read More News:
“Tired Of Society Trying To Erase History”: NFL World Reacts As Bills Make OJ Simpson Decision
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
