San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle made it known throughout the spring that he wants to play in the 49ers’ Week 1 game versus the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, coming off the torn Achilles that he suffered this past January.
During the latest episode of the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Kittle indicated he has a legitimate shot to go up against the Rams less than three months down the road.
George Kittle continues to make positive progress in recovery
“I got a run today, hit over 16 miles an hour,” Kittle said during the podcast, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. “That was pretty sick. …I’m 21 weeks out, and I’m running over 16 miles an hour, so I’m having a great time. Single-leg box jumps, we’re cutting again, we’re having some fun.”
As Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area mentioned, Kittle is spending a portion of the NFL’s summer break co-hosting his Tight End University event this week. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, entertainment superstar Taylor Swift and Fox commentator Greg Olsen are some of the other recognizable faces taking part in the festivities.
George Kittle remaining realistic about recovery
During the podcast, Kittle acknowledged that he is “a little bit ahead of schedule” in his recovery from the type of injury that has sidelined other players for up to a full year. That said, it sounds like the 49ers want Kittle to avoid pushing things ahead of training camp.
“My trainers are like, ‘Yeah, just simmer just a little bit.’ Basically, what my surgeon told me is don’t be a dumba–, and I’m trying my best to just not be a dumba–,” Kittle explained.
In early June, it was said that Kittle “wasn’t too concerned” about how the long flight to and from Australia would impact his ability to play in the regular-season opener. For what it’s worth, the 49ers host the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 of the campaign on Sept. 20.
“I am on a tight leash, but I’m pulling as hard as I can,” Kittle added about what he wants to accomplish amid his workouts over the next several weeks.
Per the NFL’s website, veteran 49ers players are scheduled to report for training camp on July 25.