For a change, the 49ers have some positive news from an injury standpoint. San Francisco has activated tight end George Kittle from the physically unable to perform list. Kittle has been working his way back from a torn Achilles injury that was sustained during January’s playoff win over the Eagles. 

After sustaining the injury, Kittle set his sights on being back on the field for the 49ers’ season-opener, which will be against the Rams. Kittle has reportedly hit every benchmark the team has laid out for him. 

“I want to play in every football game that I possibly can play in, but I’m also aware it’s an 18-week season,” Kittle said earlier this month. “If you miss Week 1 and you’re playing Week 2, hey, it is what it is … I’m just going to keep that as my goal, and then we’ll adjust from there if we need to.”  

It goes without saying that Kittle’s return is a big boost for a 49ers team that is seemingly always dealing with injuries. Now, 32, Kittle has been one of the best players at his position since joining the 49ers in 2017. Last year, he was named to his seventh Pro Bowl despite missing six games during the regular season.

A certified 49ers legend, Kittle has a chance to reach several individual franchise milestones in 2026. He’s 565 yards from passing Hall of Famer Terrell Owens for second place on the team’s career receiving list. Kittle is also just receiving touchdowns away from third on the franchise’s all-time list, behind only Owens and fellow Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. 

Last season, Kittle moved past Owens and into second in franchise history (behind only Rice) in career receptions.