George Kittle enters the 2026 regular season recovering from a right Achilles tear suffered in the 2025 playoffs, yet he has cleared the injury report and is expected to play a managed role in the 49ers’ Week 1 opener against the Rams in Australia. At age 32, the seven-time Pro Bowler has posted at least six receiving touchdowns in five of his last six full seasons when healthy, including seven scores in 11 games during 2025. San Francisco’s offense features Brock Purdy, returning Christian McCaffrey, and added weapons, creating red-zone competition but also schematic opportunities for the elite tight end as both receiver and blocker. His snap count and target share will be monitored closely early, with long-term availability and usage patterns shaping season-long touchdown totals.