49ers take star TE George Kittle off PUP list 10 days before leaving for Australia

San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle was removed from the physically unable to perform list on Sunday, bringing renewed optimism that he could reclaim his spot before the season opener. This development came 10 days before the team embarked on a trip to Australia for their Week 1 match against the Los Angeles Rams, scheduled for September 11. Both Kittle and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey had been participating in practice sessions alongside the rest of the squad.

Kittle's Achilles tendon ruptured on January 11 during a playoff victory against Philadelphia, but he has shown remarkable progress in his recovery, returning to action within eight months. The tight end, a two-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, is a vital component of San Francisco's offensive strategy, excelling in both passing and blocking aspects of the game. In the previous season, Kittle amassed 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns.

McAfee has been absent from practice for the past two weeks due to "tightness," a condition that was initially described by the team. Despite missing four games due to injuries in 2024, McCaffrey had an exceptional 2023 season, playing in 1,010 offensive snaps both in the regular season and playoffs. He became the second player in the last two decades to accumulate at least 450 combined carries and catches.

The 30-year-old McCaffrey has not been as productive in recent seasons following his highest usage years in 2019 and 2023, both of which were marred by injuries the following year.

Meanwhile, star defensive end Nick Bosa continues to sit out practice with soreness and tendinitis in his surgically repaired right knee. Bosa sustained a torn ACL during the third week of last season. He began the training camp on the active roster but has only engaged in individual drills before being sidelined nearly three weeks ago. The 49ers remain hopeful that Bosa will be fit for Week 1.