49ers TE George Kittle Addresses Recovery From Core Muscle Surgery

George Kittle took part in the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl, but he did so at less than full strength. The All-Pro tight end underwent core muscle surgery in the offseason, and he recently provided an update on his recovery.

“It was tough, but I’m feeling great now, which is fantastic,” Kittle said during an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys Podcast (h/t Will Simonds of NBC Sports Bay Area). “I’d say I’m almost back to 100 percent.”

That falls in line with an update Kittle provided on his condition. The 30-year-old is aiming to take part in training camp next month, and if his rehab continues to progress as planned that should take place. In addition to the core muscle injury, though, Kittle dealt with rib and toe ailments which left him unable to work out for a stretch following the Super Bowl.

“I couldn’t lift,” the three-time Pro Bowler added. “I couldn’t do any upper body because of my shoulder and my rib, and I couldn’t do lower [body] because of my core surgery… I didn’t lift from the Super Bowl until like almost mid-March. I went a month without doing anything, I wasn’t supposed to do anything.”

Kittle noted that the layoff resulted in the loss of nearly 30 pounds. He has since regained most of that, and the time remaining until training camp opens should allow him to return to his playing weight. Expectations will be high for the Iowa alum in his seventh 49ers campaign after he topped 1,000 yards for the third time in his career last season. Kittle is a key part of San Francisco’s offense nucleus, a unit which should remain intact for at least one more year.

Beyond that, the former fifth-rounder is among the players who could attempt to land an extension including new guaranteed money. Much of Kittle’s approach on that front will depend on his performance in 2024. Provided he can recover in full over the coming weeks, he will be positioned for another productive season.