On Friday, strength and conditioning coach Josh Cuthbert shared a video of Kittle lifting an astonishing 665 pounds, offering the latest encouraging glimpse into the star tight end's impressive recovery.
Kittle's progress is remarkable, especially considering the initial belief that the injury could sideline him for a significant portion of the 2026 season. Fortunately for the 49ers, doctors later determined that the tear was higher on the Achilles—a best-case scenario compared to the more severe tears that typically require a longer recovery.
The surgery went well, allowing Kittle to recover much faster than is common for more serious Achilles injuries.
There is growing optimism within the 49ers organization that Kittle could be ready to suit up when San Francisco opens the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 1 international matchup in Australia.
"I was so impressed by the way he was moving (at Tight End University), and I was impressed the last week of OTAs, how he was moving," fullback Kyle Juszczyk recently said. "He was doing this zigzag drill, and he told me he had reached like 16 miles an hour that day. I was already impressed with that.
"But then, seeing him go through that warm-up, I was like, 'Wow, I really do think there is a chance that he's ready for Week 1.'"
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In June, Kittle revealed that he had reached a major milestone in his rehab by hitting 16 mph while running on the field in cleats.
"I'm a little bit ahead of schedule, so I'm trying new things," Kittle said. "My trainers are like, 'Yeah, just simmer just a little bit.' Basically, what my surgeon told me is don't be a dumbass, and I'm trying my best to just not be a dumbass."
Kittle added, "I am on a tight leash, but I'm pulling as hard as I can."
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