Kittle Looks Good; 49ers TE Closing on Week 1

George Kittle looks like George Kittle again. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said the All-Pro tight end is practicing full speed in Melbourne and "looks good" heading into Thursday's Week 1 opener against the Rams, per ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area.

That is not the same ironclad stamp Raheem Morris gave the defensive edge. It is close enough that San Francisco's offense is planning as if No. 85 is available.

Full speed after the Achilles

Achilles returns rarely look this clean this fast. Kubiak's tone suggests the medical staff is watching workload more than wondering whether Kittle can move.

Kittle tore his right Achilles in January. The 49ers activated him from PUP on Aug. 24, and he has been a regular in team drills since. Kubiak, speaking Tuesday in Australia, sounded almost relieved watching the rehab show up on the practice field.

"Super impressed with how he's looked considering the injury he had and how quickly he got back out on the field and just committed to his rehab," Kubiak said, per ESPN. "It's been pretty cool to see Kittle out there looking like himself to me. Looking fresh."

Asked directly if Kittle plays Thursday, Kubiak would not close it early: "We have got to see how he gets through the rest of the week, we've got two more practices, but Kittle looks good." Workload, he added, "will be determined."

Why the 49ers need him

Kittle was in uniform for both Melbourne practices open to media. That matters on a trip where the long haul was once viewed as a possible hurdle. For an offense that leans on 12 personnel and play-action, having the TE room whole changes how the Rams have to defend the middle of the field.

Separate from the edge news, this is the TE story. Fans tracking both stars can read how Bosa was confirmed for the same opener, then come back to Kubiak's tighter, still optimistic read on Kittle.

Fantasy managers should still treat the snap count as fluid. Kubiak's "looks good" line is stronger than a vague day-to-day note, and weaker than Morris's Bosa guarantee. Expect a monitored package early if he is active, with the coaching staff watching how the Achilles responds after the long trip and the first live hits of the season.

Two more practices. Full-speed reps already logged. The 49ers are leaning yes on their tight end for Australia night.