George Kittle deadlifts 665 pounds as he recovers from Achilles injury

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has provided the most compelling evidence yet of his physical progression, posting footage of himself deadlifting 665 pounds as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles. The video, captured during a training session with strength and conditioning coach Josh Cuthbert, shows Kittle utilizing smelling salts before successfully completing a Heavy trap-bar deadlift. This milestone, achieved approximately six months after he sustained the injury, is a notable step in his rehabilitation journey as the team looks toward the 2026 season.

Kittle suffered the injury on 11 January 2026, during the 49ers' NFC wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The timing of the tear cast immediate doubt on his status for the upcoming season, as standard recovery timelines for professional athletes typically span nine to 12 months. However, both the player and his medical team have characterized the injury as a "best-case scenario." Because the tear occurred higher up near the soleus muscle, rather than at the heel, surgeons were able to avoid drilling into the bone, which has allowed for improved blood flow and a more efficient surgical repair.

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The 32-year-old veteran has been transparent about the arduous nature of his recovery. In earlier comments regarding his rehabilitation, Kittle noted the transition from crutches to independent walking presented unique challenges due to the force loaded onto the Achilles. He has since advanced from using crutches and a walking boot to wearing shoes with heel lifts and training on an anti-gravity treadmill. By late June, reports indicated that Kittle was successfully performing single-leg box jumps, cutting drills, and running at speeds exceeding 16 mph.

Teammate and fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who witnessed Kittle’s movement during recent team workouts, expressed optimism about the tight end's return to the field. "I was so impressed by the way he was moving," Juszczyk said of Kittle’s performance at the Tight End University summit, according to reporting by 49ers Webzone. While Juszczyk acknowledged the importance of organizational caution, he noted that the sight of Kittle performing complex movement drills like the "zigzag" offered a promising indicator for the season opener.

Kittle has set a personal goal to be available for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, which is scheduled in Melbourne, Australia. If he is cleared for that contest, it would mark a return approximately eight months post-surgery. 49ers general manager John Lynch stated in April that while a Week 1 appearance is not guaranteed, there is a tangible possibility that the tight end will be ready to contribute.

Rehabilitation Timeline and Status

• January 2026: Injury occurs during wild-card round; Kittle remains optimistic about recovery due to the high location of the tear.
• Spring 2026: Kittle utilizes stem cell treatment in Panama with teammate Kyle Juszczyk; progresses off crutches and out of a medical boot.
• June 2026: Tight end reports running at full body weight; begins cutting drills and reaches speeds of 16 mph during organized team activities.
• July 2026: Latest training footage shows Kittle performing a 665-pound deadlift, signaling significant strength gains.

The focus for the 49ers now shifts to the lead-up for training camp. Kittle, who has previously dealt with various injuries including issues with his knees, hamstrings, ankles, and groin, remains a central figure in the San Francisco offense. During the 2025 season, he recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 appearances. As he nears his tenth NFL season, Kittle remains four touchdowns away from surpassing Vernon Davis as the 49ers' all-time leader in touchdowns by a tight end, a milestone he is positioned to pursue upon his return.

For now, the team continues to manage its tight end depth, having recently re-signed Jake Tonges to provide insurance. The next critical update is expected from the coaching staff during public media availability, where reporters will look to see if Kittle transitions from controlled strength training to full-contact football movements. Until that confirmation arrives, Kittle maintains his public stance of persistence, noting in recent interviews that he is doing "everything in my power" to rejoin his teammates for the start of the regular season.