San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is on a mission this season. After tearing his Achilles in last year's divisional game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he has focused his efforts on returning to action as soon as possible. Whatever he has been doing appears to be working, as reports have him on track to return in time for the team's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
The return window would be remarkable for Kittle, who would be a mere eight months out from an injury that often sidelines NFL athletes for upwards of nine months. While 49ers fans are eagerly anticipating his return, Kittle is ignoring clear warning signs from another former Niners pass catcher, one who never quite got back to form after rushing his own Achilles timetable.
Back in 2013, former first-round pick Michael Crabtree was coming off a career year, in which he caught 85 balls for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. After a modest start to his career, it seemed like he was primed to be the player many projected coming out of Texas Tech.
However, in OTAs in late May, he suffered the same injury as Kittle. He missed the first chunk of the season and returned on December 1st against the Rams.
It took Crabtree less than seven months to recover from the injury, an even quicker turnaround than what Kittle is attempting. While the return was admirable, it might not have been the best idea for the young wideout.
George Kittle might learn the hard way, just like Michael Crabtree did
Crabtree’s recovery after just 183 days is extremely impressive, but it was hardly the best decision for his career. The following season, he was an afterthought in the offense, overshadowed by the aging Anquan Boldin. He then moved across the Bay to Oakland, where he enjoyed just one more 1,000-yard season before playing his last snaps in 2019.
Crabtree was 25 when he tore his Achilles. Kittle, on the other hand, is now 33. Already in the twilight of his career, the Iowa product is attempting to come back in hasty fashion. Whether he will be ready or not may still be anybody's guess.
In shooting for a Week 1 comeback, he is putting himself in a risky position. The 49ers' Opening Kickoff will be in Australia, which is about a 16-hour flight from San Francisco. Such harsh travel demands are hardly ideal for an older veteran who is attempting to play his first game after a serious injury.
If San Francisco were smart, they might encourage Kittle to take his time. After all, there is no rush to get back to a team that has plenty of weapons and could surely survive a few early games without him. Knowing the tight end, though, it will be difficult to keep him off the field, just like it was difficult to keep Crabtree from doing what he loved.
If they are unable to put a lid on Kittle's enthusiasm, though, he may end up being his own worst enemy. Crabtree should be a prime example of why it is important not to rush a lengthy recovery, but it's clear George Kittle is intent on making the same mistake.
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