Kittle's Week 1 status is up in the air — and the experts are split. Here's what the wiki says:
- Shanahan's take (April): Said Kittle "has a chance" to return for Week 1 after his torn Achilles, but the 49ers are unlikely to rush him (from the [George Kittle page]).
- The cautious side: The wiki notes he's expected to begin the season on the PUP list and ease in gradually. Initial medical projections pointed to a return around November, though the damage wasn't as severe as it could have been.
- The aggressive side: Kittle has been "aggressively testing his limits" through spring OTAs, and Justin Boone (June rankings) moved him to TE9, saying his recovery appears to be progressing well — but acknowledging you may need a replacement like Jake Tonges for the first month.
Expert voices:
- Underdog's Josh & Hayden said he's "expected to be back there for Week 1" but flagged the age/Achilles concern.
- FantasyPros took the opposite tone: "George Kittle is probably going to miss some time at the start of the season after the Achilles tear."
Bottom line: Don't draft Kittle expecting him to play Week 1. He could be there, but the safer bet is he misses at least a few games. If you draft him (TE9 range), grab Jake Tonges as a handcuff.