It might be some time before the San Francisco 49ers can step away from multiple injuries. Last season, it was star tight end George Kittle, who suffered from an Achilles tear in January. Easily a cornerstone figure in the team’s structure and offense, all eyes were trained on George Kittle’s recovery and return.
However, a recent update by coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Kittle might be taking a step back heading into the 2026 season. The 10-year NFL veteran, though, had an interesting reaction to the same.
George Kittle Drops Hilarious Reaction to Recent Injury Return News
On August 27, the 49ers wrapped up their final preseason game with an 18-12 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. What caught everyone’s attention, though, was coach Shanahan’s postgame comments about Kittle taking a step back.
The NFL world immediately began theorizing over the coach’s words, wondering if Kittle will truly be stepping back this season.
Kittle, however, had the most apt six-word response to the matter.
“The things I wake up to 😂,” Kittle wrote in his Twitter (now X) post.
The things I wake up to 😂 https://t.co/dqugwzGMCk
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) August 30, 2026
He quoted a post featuring a Brad Pitt clip that says, “What the [expletive] are you talking about?”
The clip is from Brad Pitt’s 2011 movie ‘Moneyball,’ where he plays ‘Billy Beane,’ a general manager of a baseball team.
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The post itself was in response to a main tweet by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who confirmed that Kittle has yet to face any major setbacks with his recovery. Schefter revealed that Kittle will most likely begin practicing this week, especially if he aims to open the season in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams.
Schefter also highlighted that, as the seven-time Pro Bowler’s recovery is going as planned, he has a real chance of making it to the field for the opener.
This also comes after the 49ers took him off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on August 23. Judging by the move, the expectations leaned towards Kittle’s comeback.
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What Exactly Did Coach Kyle Shanahan Say About Kittle?
During the press conference, Shanahan went on to discuss their team’s current roster and how one’s recovery might not align with playing right away.
“You hope so. Those are the things that we have to evaluate sooner rather than later. There are just guys that are gonna be close…guys like Kittle, who’s taken a step back, want to see how [Nick] Bosa does in these practices and stuff, so…there are guys who are healthy and doing good, but are they ready to get back and play right away?” Shanahan explained after the game.
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While there have been no updates about Kittle’s final status for the opening game, the 49ers could be aiming to be extra cautious as the season kicks off.
As of now, Kittle has participated in individual drills on Sunday and Tuesday and has yet to play with the team.
Furthermore, the team will also be on a three-day break after the preseason as per NFL rules.
Kittle ranked second in PFN’s Impact Score with an 82.6 grade. Arizona Cardinals’ Trey McBride ranked at No. 1 with a 92.4 grade. Last season, the former fifth-round draft pick finished with 57 catches for 628 yards and seven touchdowns.
The 49ers’ opening clash against the Rams is scheduled on Friday, September 10 at 8:35 p.m. EST at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, East Melbourne.
