Getty

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers are in a win-now window and need to make the most of their 2026 NFL season. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean the organization or players should get reckless when it comes to dealing with injuries, which the Niners are all too familiar with.

George Kittle is coming off tearing his right Achilles tendon in January during the 49ers’ playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Nonetheless, there appears to be optimism that Kittle could be back by Week 1.

While San Francisco could use their valuable tight end, the Niners did invest this offseason in bringing in weapons for Brock Purdy. The Niners signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency while drafting De’Zhaun Stribling in Round 2.

As a result, former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter is urging Kittle to be cautious on his return from his Achilles tear.

“Kittle is a beast, man; one of the hardest workers,” Carter said on the May 4 edition of the “Fully Loaded Podcast.” “He’s doing everything too from preparation, hydration, sleep, the active recovery stuff. Like, he is truly one of the hardest workers that we have in the game, one of the faces of the game…

“But in Achilles, these surgeries, the guys are coming back a lot quicker than they were in previous years… He will come back as a great athlete, but be careful, because you only have a few more training stops in your career. Don’t be in a rush to return.”

Last season with the 49ers, Kittle posted a 90.8 overall PFF grade. Moreover, he recorded 57 receptions on 66 targets for 628 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, while averaging 11.0 yards per reception and generating 259 yards after the catch.

When Should 49er TE George Kittle Return From Injury?

Furthermore, Carter revealed when Kittle should consider returning from his injury, setting a timeline that won’t be too early and will give the veteran tight end enough time to make an impact, helping the Niners push for a division title.

“If I’m him, I’m not playing until Week 5,“ Carter added. “I’m going to give the NFL a good college season. I’m going to give y’all a hard 12 games. You’ve got a hard 12 coming this year.”

Kyle Shanahan Comments on George Kittle Injury

Both Kittle and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan have recently commented on the pass catcher’s timeline for a return. Shanahan sounded more optimistic that he could have his tight end back in Week 1.

“I know there’s a chance to,“ Shanahan said during an April 30 appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “I know he’s working his butt off to do it; I don’t want to say he’s on track, but I think that’s what he’s shooting for. And I don’t put anything past Kittle. He works as hard as anyone.”

Meanwhile, Kittle sounded more cautious about when he’ll be seeing the field for the 49ers during the 2026 NFL season.

“Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves,” Kittle said when he spoke with CNBC’s Alex Sherman on April 23. “We’ll dip our toes back in a little bit slower than that. But hey, who knows? Miracles have happened.”