Achilles injuries are among the hardest setbacks in football, and in most cases, they sideline a player for about a year. That reality made George Kittle’s injury one of the toughest blows for the San Francisco 49ers after their postseason run.
Kittle suffered the tear in the second quarter of San Francisco’s playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles, so many expected him to miss a large chunk of the following season. However, that outlook shifted when he appeared on the field during Tight End University workouts.
Donte Whitner Called Out George Kittle Over His Recent Workout Video
After seeing the video, former 49ers safety Donte Whitner questioned whether the star tight end should have been running routes while still recovering.
“If George Kittle hypothetically goes out there and hurts himself right now, the 49ers cannot and will not make it to the Super Bowl,” Whitner said on”The Grit Code” podcast.
“So, the 49ers should call him immediately. Tell him, ‘Oh, you had a good couple days at TEU; you need to be the coach out there. But under no circumstances should you get back out there, run routes, and do anything football-wise until you’re cleared by the medical staff. This is asinine.”
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His comments reflected concern more than criticism, with Whitner stressing that protecting Kittle should remain San Francisco’s priority.
Meanwhile, the Faithful had not seen much of Kittle’s recovery before TEU. While he consistently attended organized team activities to rehab on the side, the 49ers canceled their mandatory minicamp.
As one of the biggest faces behind Tight End University, Kittle still made the trip, and his role naturally included taking part in some on-field work alongside the other tight ends.
Kittle is one of Brock Purdy’s most dependable targets and continues to drive San Francisco’s passing attack when healthy. According to PFSN’s TE Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 86.9 last season, ranking fifth in the league, showing once again why he remains one of the league’s top tight ends.
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According to Adam Schefter, Kittle believes he remains on schedule to suit up in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Still, some believe waiting until Week 2 would be the smarter move because it avoids the demanding overseas trip.
On the bright side, Kittle’s injury reportedly occurred higher on the leg near the soleus muscle in his calf, which could aid his recovery. Kittle has also stayed positive throughout the rehabilitation process.
“And my Achilles is doing great,” Kittle told reporters earlier this year. “No setbacks in my recovery. Checking all the boxes, doing everything I’m supposed to do. My surgeon’s super happy. My physical therapist in LA, who works with him, is super happy. The Niners are happy. I’m happy.”
Still, optimism should not replace patience. With the regular season sitting only about three months away, San Francisco has little reason to rush one of its most important offensive players back onto the field.
The 49ers would rather see Kittle fully healthy for the long season ahead than risk another setback before Week 1.
Nobody cares what Whitner has to say. He’s the guy who needs attention even though his playing days are over. Worst takes on the ‘net sometimes, wish people would quit quoting him and his worthless takes.