49ers’ Kittle Undergoes Surgery That Could Lead to a Faster Return.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle may return to the field sooner than expected after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. Kittle sustained a tear in his right Achilles during the first half of the 49ers’ wild-card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, 2026. Schefter reported on ESPN’s Postseason NFL Countdown that Kittle received a “SpeedBridge repair,” a procedure designed to accelerate recovery. While slightly riskier than traditional surgery, it could enable Kittle to return more quickly. The expected recovery timeline for SpeedBridge surgery ranges from six to ten months, potentially allowing Kittle to participate in training camp in mid-July or return as late as mid-November. The technique, popularized by medical device company Arthrex, involves inserting two screws into the heel and securing the Achilles tendon with two sutures anchored to the screws without knots. This minimally invasive approach allows patients to bear weight sooner, though it carries risks such as adverse reactions to the screws or sutures, heel soreness, or re-tearing of the tendon.

Several high-profile athletes have undergone SpeedBridge surgery with notable results. Former Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers returned to the field five and a half months after tearing his right Achilles in July 2021. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles injury in 2023, returned to practice within weeks of surgery. Celtics star Jayson Tatum also underwent the procedure following an Achilles tear in May 2025 and has been able to resume individual workouts, though he has not yet played in a game.

While individual recovery times vary, Kittle’s surgery offers hope that he could participate in the 49ers’ 2026 season, possibly even at the start. The team will have a clearer picture of his progress when training camp begins in July.