George Kittle, the 49ers’ tight end, revealed that he played most of the 2023 season with a core muscle injury, which eventually required surgery. Speaking to the media on Wednesday for the first time since his surgery, Kittle shared details about his ordeal.
The injury, which occurred around Week 9 or 10 of the season, significantly impacted Kittle’s ability to play. Despite undergoing MRIs, the exact nature of the injury remained unclear until after the surgery. Kittle admitted that the situation was tough, as the scans didn’t reveal the full extent of the damage, making it a challenging period for him.
Kittle still managed to achieve his third career 1,000-yard receiving season. However, his playoff performance was affected, catching only eight of his 13 targets for 112 yards and one touchdown. This included a modest two receptions for four yards in Super Bowl LVIII.
The 49ers’ training staff worked diligently to keep Kittle on the field and minimize missed practices. Kittle praised their efforts, acknowledging the difficulties but expressing gratitude for being able to play at a high level despite the injury.
Kittle reveals he played for about 10 weeks with the core muscle injury that required offseason surgery đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/axCQs23FVv
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) May 29, 2024
Coincidentally, Kittle’s teammate, cornerback Charvarius Ward, also underwent core muscle surgery just a week before Kittle. While their surgeries had some differences, Ward’s experience provided Kittle with valuable insights. Kittle appreciated the shared information, noting that both he and Ward are progressing well in their recoveries.
Kittle has been rehabbing at the 49ers’ facility in Santa Clara, whereas Ward is recuperating in his hometown in Mississippi. Both players are on track to be ready for the 2024 NFL season opener against the New York Jets on September 9.
Despite the challenging recovery, Kittle remains optimistic. The 30-year-old tight end is focused on being ready for training camp and is confident in his progress. With a smile, he described his recovery as “coming along” and expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting the camaraderie and joy of playing football.
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