49ers TE George Kittle remains hopeful of returning from Achilles tendon injury for Week 1

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle remains optimistic about returning before the start of the NFL season after tearing his right Achilles tendon in a playoff game. Kittle, a two-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, expects to be cleared by his surgeon to return before the season's first cut to 53 players on August 30.

Kittle, who has been working out on the sidelines, said he hopes to be back in pads for practice soon and play in the season opener on September 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. The tight end acknowledged the grueling rehab process but remains driven and upbeat, attributing his progress to a positive mindset. Kittle's teammate Christian McCaffrey and quarterback Kurt Rourke are also on the sidelines, with McCaffrey dealing with tightness and Rourke recovering from rib injuries.