According to general manager John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward wasn't the sole player to undergo core muscle surgery this offseason. Lynch disclosed to reporters at the NFL owners meetings on Monday that All-Pro tight end George Kittle also had the procedure.
However, the silver lining is that both players are expected to be fully cleared for training camp, set to commence at the end of July.
George Kittle and Charvarius Ward both had core muscle surgery this offseason and will be back, fully cleared, for training camp, #49ers GM John Lynch said.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 25, 2024
"I've had that surgery myself when I was playing, and it's a pretty high success rate of healing," Lynch stated. "And it feels a lot better once you get it done because it hurts constantly having that core tugging at you. So those guys both got that fixed."
Lynch further revealed that linebacker Dre Greenlaw is targeting a Week 1 return after sustaining a torn Achilles in Super Bowl 58 last month. However, given the severity of the injury, that is far from certain.
The 49ers believe Greenlaw might begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
49ers GM John Lynch said Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is shooting to be ready for Week 1, but Lynch said it might be more of a PUP situation.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 25, 2024
"Dre will tell you he's going to be back Week 1," Lynch said with a smile. "I don't put anything past Dre, but we have to be smart. Maybe a PUP situation."
