San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is optimistic about his return for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons. He opened his practice window this week and has a full 21 days to make a comeback from a hamstring injury. Kittle stated, “I fully plan on playing on Sunday,” contingent on coach Kyle Shanahan’s decision.
Kittle’s Injury History
Kittle has been sidelined since the season opener on September 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. During that game, he suffered a significant right hamstring injury after 22 snaps. The injury occurred while he was running a deep route, resulting in what he described as a “full tear.”
- Date of Injury: September 7, 2025
- Games Missed: 5
- Most Games Missed in a Season: 8 (2020)
Recovery Insights
Fortunately, Kittle’s tear did not completely detach from the bone, allowing for a quicker recovery. The timeline for more severe tears can last between three to six months. He acknowledged feeling immediately that something was wrong, describing how it felt like a “rubber band snapped” in his hamstring.
Ready for Game Day
Kittle has expressed great eagerness to return to the field after missing significant playing time. He has been carefully managing his recovery to avoid any setbacks. “I’ve been trying my best to get back as fast as I can without being an idiot and rushing it,” Kittle remarked.
49ers’ Current Status
The 49ers currently hold a record of 4-2, maintaining a competitive edge in the league. Kittle’s anticipated return has generated excitement among teammates, including quarterback Mac Jones. Jones emphasized Kittle’s positive energy and productivity on the field, saying, “George is awesome. He’s just great energy in the huddle.”
Injury Updates and Roster Changes
Should Kittle be activated for the game against the Falcons, the team will need to make a roster adjustment. Linebacker Fred Warner is expected to be placed on injured reserve due to a dislocated and fractured right ankle.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is also recovering from a toe injury, which may lead to Jones starting again. Recently, Jones improved from being a limited participant to fully participating in practices, indicating a positive trend in his recovery.
Other Player Updates
- Defensive Tackle Kalia Davis – Hand injury
- Defensive Tackle CJ West – Thumb injury
- Defensive Tackle Kevin Givens – Pectoral injury
- Right Guard Dominick Puni – Knee injury (limited practice)
- Receiver Skyy Moore – Ankle injury (limited practice)
Kittle’s return could play a crucial role in the 49ers’ performance against the Falcons. With the stakes high, both the team and fans remain hopeful for his comeback.
