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Kittle Cleared for Week 1 Melbourne Game After Achilles Tear

6/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

George Kittle will play the 49ers’ Week 1 game in Melbourne on Sept. 11.
He tore his right Achilles on Jan. 11 in the playoff win over Philadelphia.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache described the tear as high near the soleus, clean and without drilling.
During OTAs he completed single-leg hops, 20- to 30-yard jogs and full-weight jogging, indicating good progress.
The 49ers depart for Australia on Sept. 2, a 16-hour flight Kittle says does not worry him.

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Story summary

George Kittle will play the 49ers’ Week 1 game in Melbourne on Sept. 11.
He tore his right Achilles on Jan. 11 in the playoff win over Philadelphia.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache described the tear as high near the soleus, clean and without drilling.
During OTAs he completed single-leg hops, 20- to 30-yard jogs and full-weight jogging, indicating good progress.
The 49ers depart for Australia on Sept. 2, a 16-hour flight Kittle says does not worry him.