LOS ANGELES — Kyle Juszczyk gave an update on teammate and close friend George Kittle, who is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in the 49ers’ wild-card win in last season’s NFL playoffs.
Juszczyk is in Los Angeles for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic and spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area about San Francisco’s All-Pro tight end.
“He’s been great,” Juszczyk said. “He’s been in great spirits. He’s constantly rehabbing. He’s doing everything that you should and possibly do to recover as fast as possible. I have all the confidence in the world that whatever his timeline is, I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t beat it.”
Kittle and Juszczyk already have spent quite a bit of time together during the offseason during the tight end’s charitable Football for Change event that took place in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Juszczyk was one of several 49ers teammates who participated in the event.
With Kittle’s injury occurring in the postseason, he likely will not be ready for the offseason program or the start of training camp. However, the tight end confirmed that his injury occurred at the highest part of the Achilles tendon, which heals more quickly than lower on the leg.
“He’s just that type of guy,” Juszczyk said of his friend’s focus to return to the field. “He attacks everything with a tenacity like that. I think George is going to be good to go.”
The 49ers re-signed Jake Tonges to a two-year contract prior to the start of free agency. Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis round out the group. San Francisco also could select a tight end in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft to add depth to the room while Kittle makes his way back from injury.
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