After undergoing surgery for his torn Achilles in mid-January, the 49ers have George Kittle back on the practice field. He's managed to accomplish the unthinkable.

If you were to tell me that Kittle would practice at any point in training camp after seeing him carted off in the playoffs against the Eagles, I would've called you crazy.

Tearing an Achilles is typically a 9-to-12-month recovery. Yet Kittle has beaten the odds and has proven that, at 33 years old, a significant injury cannot stop him.

Now that he's back practicing, Kittle has a legitimate shot at suiting up when the 49ers play Week 1 in Australia against the Rams. I'd say it's likely he does.

However, the 49ers must not play Kittle in Week 1. As amazing as it's been to see him work his way back, it would be rushed if he jumped right into a game so quickly

It's unwise to have him play. Week 1 in Australia is a little over two weeks away. Kittle barely got back to practice on Aug. 23. The 49ers will have roughly 10 practices in that span.

Is that enough time for Kittle to be ramped up and acclimated to play a game? I have my doubts. He's such an important player to the 49ers that it would be wise if they give him at least another week to work.

And since the 49ers are flying all the way to Australia a week early, he won't have the same routine that's worked for him to get to this point.

Obviously, that impacts everyone on the 49ers, but none of them are coming off a torn Achilles tendon. Kittle's in a sensitive situation, which requires delicate handling.

Everything needs to be careful with him, and sitting him for Week 1 exercises necessary caution. It's not just about making sure his surgically repaired Achilles is fine -- it's his opposite leg as well.

That leg has been overworked the whole time. He needs to ensure that he has full trust in both legs to reduce the chances of injuring the healthy leg.

If anything, that is the most important element for his return. It's that, and to make sure he feels conditioned and is in shape. Giving him at least another week to acclimate increases those chances.

The 49ers shouldn't risk Kittle in Week 1, but I think they will. They know it's a must-win game, given how far they're traveling. A loss would feel like two.

Kittle understands that too, which is why he's worked so hard to get back. But that's exactly why he shouldn't be so hasty. Maybe he'll be perfectly fine if he plays.

But is it worth the risk? I don't think it is. Being careful with Kittle is the right approach, which means the 49ers need to sit him for Week 1.

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