NFL draft outlook: How George Kittle’s injury could impact 49ers’ tight end need

When tight end George Kittle was carted off the field in the first round of the playoffs, it was reasonable to wonder if things would ever be the same.Kittle, a veteran of nine NFL seasons who turns 33 in October, sustained a torn right Achilles on Jan. 11 in the 49ers’ 23-19 victory at Philadelphia.However, it does not appear to be the kind of career-turning injury originally feared.General manager John Lynch provided a recent update. He said the organization remains “hopeful” that Kittle will be available when the 49ers open the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.Kittle is coming off a difficult season. He missed six regular-season games due to a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 1 at Seattle.The 49ers turned to Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell to perform the duties that Kittle typically handles by himself.Tonges was the pass-catcher. He had 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns. Tonges had the most catches and touchdowns from a 49ers tight end not named George Kittle since Vernon Davis in 2013.Farrell was signed a year ago to serve as the blocking specialist. He caught the first two touchdown passes of...