It’s been more than six months since George Kittle tore his Achilles during a wild-card matchup against the Eagles in January, but he is already starting to show good signs for the 49ers.
A video emerged of Kittle working out with strength and conditioning coach Josh Cuthbert. He was seen ripping open a pack of smelling salts, then immediately deadlifting 665 pounds, showing he is ahead of schedule after his injury.
It’s unknown when Kittle will suit up for the 49ers next season, as the average recovery time for a professional athlete from a torn Achilles takes between nine and 12 months.
But with Kittle already working out on his injury at a high rate, the signs indicate his road to recovery is going well.
Throughout his rehab, Kittle has revealed that he is ahead of schedule and said in June that his goal is to be healthy by Week 1.
If Kittle suits up by Sept.10, when the 49ers take on the Rams in Australia, it will come almost right at the nine-month mark since he suffered the injury.
During his career, Kittle has been plagued with injuries but has also shown he can still perform at a high level, as he has dealt with knee, hamstring, ankle and groin injuries throughout his career.
Last season, he appeared in 11 games for the 49ers and had 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns.
Kittle is one of many 49ers who are on the road to recovery from last season. The team is also awaiting the return of 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, who is out with a torn ACL.
Bosa has also been ahead of schedule and said during the offseason that he is hopeful he will return to the 49ers’ defensive line by Week 1.
