A question the San Francisco 49ers have ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is whether or not veteran tight end George Kittle will be playing. Kittle has been working his way back from a ruptured Achilles injury he suffered during the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season and told reporters about his recovery progress.

The San Francisco 49ers go toe-to-toe against the Los Angeles Rams to kick off the 2026 NFL season. But the clash between two NFC West divisional rivals will be played more than 7,800 miles away

See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The San Francisco 49ers have so much going for them heading into the 2026 season. Nick Bosa is back. Fred Warner is back.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) and tight end George Kittle (85).Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Quarterback Brock Purdy was also forced to miss time. He missed eight regular-season games while dealing with a lingering right toe injury.

Brock Purdy spoke to Matt Maiocco about why he believes San Francisco has a legitimate shot to win a competitive NFC West.

If San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle has a big Week 1 game he would do something only 2 other TEs in history have done.