Overview
- Kittle told the Ross Tucker Podcast he never considered retiring after tearing his right Achilles, saying he still has miles left at a high level.
- The 32-year-old tight end suffered the injury in the Wild Card win over the Eagles and was sidelined for the 49ers' Divisional Round loss.
- Surgery by Dr. Neal ElAttrache revealed a clean rupture higher up the calf, and Kittle said no drilling into the heel was required.
- He is pushing for an early-season comeback with a Week 1 goal, while medical projections point to a realistic window around Week 5 if rehab progresses without setbacks.
- Kittle enters his 10th NFL season after posting 57 catches for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, and he remains under a multi-year contract with San Francisco.