Niners' Kittle (Achilles) targets Week 1, says he's 'on track'

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Despite tearing his right Achilles and having it surgically repaired 19 weeks ago, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle believes he is on track to return Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Speaking to Bay Area media Wednesday, Kittle said that the Achilles is "doing great" and that he has had no setbacks, adding that it's realistic to think he could be back from such a devastating injury roughly eight months after suffering it.

"When I had the surgery and [Dr. Neal] ElAttrache told me, he said, 'Hey, I think if you do everything the right way, you have a chance,' it definitely ignites something and makes you push for it," Kittle said. "We're on track. We're ahead of schedule."