# Will George Kittle be ready for Week 1 after his injury rehab update?

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. [📺 hear the clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6ZyxP0Nsyg&t=2388s)
- **FantasyPros** took the opposite tone: "George Kittle is probably going to miss some time at the start of the season after the Achilles tear." [📺 hear the clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyIzpWuwzrs&t=2021s)

**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.

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Answered 2026-06-24 by ChatFFB — fantasy football answers from a live news wiki.
Source: https://chatffb.com/ask/will-george-kittle-be-ready-for-week-1-after-his-injury-rehab-update