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Kittle returns to practice, keeping Week 1 Melbourne hopes

9/1/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

George Kittle is expected to practice this week, keeping a chance to play Week 1 in Melbourne.
He was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Aug 23, ending his PUP status.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the team will balance three practice days before traveling to Melbourne for the Sep 10 game.
Sources reported Kittle’s rehab has had no setbacks and is ahead of schedule after his Jan 11 torn Achilles.

History

Historical Context

In October 2006 NFL owners approved up to two regular-season games abroad, and the league staged its first International Series on October 28 2007 at Wembley, where the New York Giants faced the Miami Dolphins. That model lets teams share revenue and travel overseas, a framework the 49ers now use for their September 10, 2024 game in Melbourne, illustrating the league’s long-term global expansion.

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Story summary

George Kittle is expected to practice this week, keeping a chance to play Week 1 in Melbourne.
He was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Aug 23, ending his PUP status.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the team will balance three practice days before traveling to Melbourne for the Sep 10 game.
Sources reported Kittle’s rehab has had no setbacks and is ahead of schedule after his Jan 11 torn Achilles.

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