Kittle said Monday that the right Achilles surgery he underwent last week went as well as possible, and the tight end said he expects to return to action "well before November" during the 2026 season, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though a more definitive target date for his return won't become apparent until he's further along in the rehab process, Kittle is optimistic that he'll face a shorter recovery timeline than most players coming back from Achilles surgery because he suffered a clear tear near the soleus muscle. Since that muscle is located higher up on the Achilles and he didn't need surgery on his heel, Kittle said that his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, termed the procedure as a "best-case scenario." Kittle still appears likely to open training camp on a reserve list while he works his way through the rehab process, but he suggested that he's not closing the door on being ready to play by Week 1 of next season, when he would be approximately eight months removed from surgery.

The 49ers placed Kittle (Achilles) on injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

This is merely a procedural move after Kittle was diagnosed with a torn right Achilles following this past Sunday's wild-card victory in Philadelphia. Coach Kyle Shanahan announced Tuesday that Kittle was slated for surgery Wednesday, after which point his rehab will start in earnest. Considering the timing of the injury and the expected lengthy recovery timeline, Kittle appears destined to miss a decent portion of the 2026 season. As for the 49ers' current playoff run, Jake Tonges will be the biggest beneficiary as a pass catcher among the remaining tight ends, but Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis also are on hand for snaps and targets.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that Kittle (Achilles) will undergo season-ending surgery Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Kittle will have his surgery three days after tearing his right Achilles tendon in the second quarter of a 23-19 win over the Eagles in the wild-card round. Since most Achilles tears typically entail 9-to-12-month recovery periods, Kittle appears likely to be sidelined for at least some portion of the 2026 season. Jake Tonges will serve as the 49ers' top pass-catching tight end in Kittle's absence for the duration of the team's playoff run, and blocking specialist Luke Farrell may also be in line for added snaps.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after Sunday's 23-19 wild-card win over the Eagles that Kittle tore his Achilles during the game, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kittle exited in the first half due to an Achilles injury. The 49ers found a way to advance after losing their star tight end due to injury, but the diagnosis of a torn Achilles means Kittle won't rejoin his teammates on the field during their playoff run, as Kittle will face a recovery timeline of more than six months. He may not be available for the start of the 2026 regular season.

Kittle won't return to Sunday's playoff game against the Eagles after sustaining an Achilles' injury.

EDGE Analysis

After being carted off the field Sunday, it didn't take the 49ers long to rule Kittle out for the remainder of the contest. Look for the tight end to undergo further testing later Sunday or Monday, but it looks like he may be dealing with a serious injury. In his absence, Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell are San Francisco's available TEs.

Kittle was carted off the field during Sunday's playoff game against the Eagles after sustaining an apparent lower-leg injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, Kittle reached for his right lower leg after being tackled prior to his exit from the contest. At first glance, this doesn't look good for the tight end, with added context set to arrive once the 49ers make an official injury announcement.

Kittle (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's wild-card game at Philadelphia, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kittle played 95 percent of snaps Week 18, returning from a one-game absence for the 13-3 loss to Seattle. He'll likely handle an every-down role again this weekend against another one of the NFC's top defenses.

Kittle (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kittle returned from a one-game absence this past Saturday against the Seahawks and handled a massive 95 percent snap share, but the results in the box score (5-29-0 on seven targets) were minimal. He's operated with practice restrictions so far this week due to the mid-to-low ankle sprain that sidelined him Week 17, giving him one more chance to practice in full ahead of Sunday's wild-card game at Philadelphia.

KIttle (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing a Week 17 win against the Bears due to a mid-to-low-ankle sprain, Kittle was back in action this past Saturday against the Seahawks, logging 95 percent of the snaps on his way to five catches (on seven targets) for 29 yards. He continues to deal with the injury in the wake of that loss, but he at least will have two more opportunities to log a full practice this week before the 49ers potentially tag him with a designation for Sunday's wild-card game at Philadelphia.

Kittle recorded five receptions on seven targets for 29 yards in Saturday's 13-3 loss to the Seahawks.

EDGE Analysis

Kittle returned from a one-game absence and tied for the team lead in targets. His only impactful play was a 20-yard catch early in the fourth quarter, though his lack of production was more a product of the 49ers' overall struggles rather than his own. Kittle battled multiple lower-body injuries throughout the regular season, though he ended the campaign with at least seven targets and five receptions in each of his last three games.