The San Francisco 49ers are inching closer to a decision on star tight end George Kittle, and it could shape how the offense looks when the team opens the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Kittle was activated off the physically unable to perform list over the weekend, a significant step in his recovery from the torn Achilles he suffered in the wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles in January. He was limited to individual drills in his return to the field, still working his way back into team reps with more than two weeks before Week 1. Whether he’s ready to suit up remains an open question, and it’s one that could influence exactly what offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak and head coach Kyle Shanahan script up.

Kubiak said the staff builds in packages specifically for what Kittle provides, and that his availability will determine how much of that stays in the plan.

“Depending on George’s availability, we definitely have things in for him that probably other guys don’t do,” Kubiak said. “It’s kind of what we went through last year with Jake Tonges, too, is we saw his development. We saw his growth as a player. He came a long way to where he was able to do so much of what George does in the pass game for us.”

Tonges stepped into the lineup last season when Kittle went down in Week 1 with a hamstring injury and delivered immediately, catching a game-winning touchdown against the Seahawks. He went on to finish the year with 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns, giving the coaching staff real evidence that the offense doesn’t have to be stripped down without Kittle on the field. Tonges signed a two-year deal to remain with the 49ers, too.

Still, Kubiak was clear that Kittle occupies a different tier.

“George is unique. George is one of a kind. There’s only so many players can do what he can do,” he said, “so we’ll start paring that down as we get closer and see what his availability will be.”

With Kittle still working back from a major injury and no firm timetable set, the 49ers appear content to let the next two weeks of practice dictate how much of their usual tight end-heavy design travels to Australia for the opener.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: How George Kittle’s Week 1 status could shape the 49ers’ gameplan

Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect