The San Francisco 49ers activated star tight end George Kittle from the physically unable to perform list on Sunday.
The move represents a significant step forward in his recovery from a torn right Achilles sustained on Jan. 11 in the 49ers’ 23-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild-card game.
Had Kittle remained on PUP list through the Aug. 30 roster cutdown day, he would not have been eligible to play for San Francisco until Week 5. Now, Kittle has a chance to suit up for the 49ers when they begin the NFL season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Melbourne, Australia.
Kittle, 32, had 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games last season.
The seven-time Pro Bowl selection has 595 career catches for 8,008 yards and 52 touchdowns in 124 games with San Francisco. He has four 1,000-yard seasons.