Kittle, McCaffrey return to 49ers practice

The San Francisco 49ers received a significant boost to their offense on Sunday as star tight end George Kittle was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list and running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after a three-week absence. The developments occurred during a spirited training camp session in Santa Clara, providing encouraging signs for the team's health ahead of its regular-season opener.

Kittle, who tore his Achilles tendon in a January 11 playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, was activated just minutes before practice began. He participated in individual drills and was in uniform but was eased back into action and did not take part in team situations, which was expected given he had not practiced during training camp. The activation is a major step in his recovery, which has progressed faster than the typical 9-12 month timeline for such an injury. Kittle has stated his goal is to play in Week 1, and the 49ers have approximately two and a half weeks before they open the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10.

McCaffrey, who had been sidelined for roughly three weeks with leg tightness, also returned...