NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco thinks the 49ers “will play it cautiously” with TE George Kittle (Achilles) by keeping him inactive for Week 1 against the Rams.

21 August 2026

This is just Maiocco’s “guess,” so his comments should not be taken as a declaration. Maiocco recently spoke with Kittle. They discussed the 32 hours of in-flight time to and from the 49ers’ Week 1 game in Australia, along with Kittle’s desire to be healthy for the full 2026 season. The 49ers have Super Bowl aspirations, so hurrying a star player back in time for an international season opener might not make sense. Delaying his 2026 debut to Week 2 adds 10 days to Kittle’s rehab schedule. The extra time could be hugely beneficial. The veteran tight end is a TE1, regardless of his Week 1 availability.