Kittle has been seen working on the side during training camp and appears to be nearing a return to practice. He remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but that could change soon. Kittle offered an encouraging update on his recovery Saturday during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio.
"We've attacked this the right way, and we're very much ahead of schedule, and hopefully, I'm on the field here in a little bit," Kittle said, via Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group.
While it seems unlikely that Kittle will play during the preseason, he could be nearing a return to the practice field. The veteran tight end continues to have his sights set on being ready for the 49ers' Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
"We've checked the boxes," Kittle added. "My surgeon told me, 'Push it, just don't be an idiot.'"
Tight end Jake Tonges said Kittle's eagerness to return to the football field has been evident throughout his recovery, especially now that he is nearing that moment.
"He's getting antsy, obviously, and he's doing a great job approaching his recovery and stuff like that," Tonges said of his teammate. "So, looking forward to getting him out there eventually."
Having Kittle back in the lineup for the season opener against the Rams would provide a significant boost to quarterback Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense. Kittle's return would give San Francisco one of its most important offensive weapons as the team begins the 2026 season.
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