RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member 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 achieved a massive 41-17 preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers this past Thursday, with starting quarterback Brock Purdy among those getting some time on the field.
However, one player who hasn't participated in any preseason games and has been practicing to the side individually rather than with his team during training camp is George Kittle.
The star tight end was hit with a season-ending injury during the 49ers' past campaign, and that brought some concern over his playing status for this season.
Things have been trending towards Kittle's return, though. On Sunday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the 49ers officially activated Kittle from the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which is certainly an encouraging sign ahead of the season.
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Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, only played in 11 games last season, with 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. San Francisco reached the playoffs, and Kittle was part of the team's NFC Wild Card Round win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but exited the game after a reception in the second quarter.
Later, a report revealed that Kittle had torn his Achilles during the game, which ended his season. San Francisco then went on to get stomped by division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, in the NFC Divisional Round, 41-6.
Kittle's been putting together an exciting career, which has him on the verge of a future Hall of Fame induction, depending on how much longer he plays and performs. According to Pro Football Reference , he's racked up 8,008 receiving yards in his career, and the average Hall of Fame tight end has 8,075.
His return for this season seems imminent based on the recent news, and barring any further setbacks, he should easily rack up enough yards to surpass retired tight end candidates Greg Olsen, Jimmy Graham this season. Both players are also considered potential Hall of Fame candidates, but definitely not locks for it.
The 49ers get one more preseason game on Thursday, Aug. 27, when they visit rookie Fernando Mendoza and the Oakland Raiders. It would be surprising if Kittle gets on the field in that one, because it would seem the team would want to ensure he's healthy and able to play in the regular season.
San Francisco is on the regular-season schedule with an opener in Melbourne, Australia, meaning Kittle might be part of their game against their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, on Thursday, Sept. 10.
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For more about the San Francisco 49ers and the NFL , head over to Newsweek Sports .
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