The San Francisco 49ers received one of the best possible updates before their 2026 season opener. Nick Bosa will play against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Sept. 10, in Melbourne, Australia, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris confirmed. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
The confirmation comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the defensive star, who is recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered in September 2025.
Nick Bosa is ready to return
Morris was direct when discussing Bosa's status: the pass rusher will be on the field against the Rams.
The 28-year-old returned to full team practices only last Wednesday after a recovery that included his third ACL surgery and second on his right knee. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
His return in the season opener will be one of the biggest storylines of the first game of the NFL season.
The numbers that explain Bosa's importance
Bosa was selected second overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and has since become one of San Francisco's most important defensive players.
Through 85 regular-season games, he has recorded 64.5 sacks, 168 quarterback hits, 278 tackles, two interceptions and 13 forced fumbles. He has also been selected to five Pro Bowls. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Those numbers explain why his return is so important to a defense looking to rank among the NFL's best.
Will Bosa have a limited workload?
Although Morris confirmed that Bosa will play, there is still a reasonable question about his workload.
The defensive end had very little full-contact preparation following his recovery. San Francisco could therefore manage his repetitions or use him strategically while he regains his competitive rhythm.
That does not change the main development: Bosa is scheduled to participate in the opener.
For the 49ers, having him available even with a managed workload is very different from starting the season without their premier quarterback pressure threat.
George Kittle is also nearing a return
The positive news for San Francisco does not end with Bosa. Tight end George Kittle is also making encouraging progress in his recovery.
Kittle suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on Jan. 11, 2026, during the 49ers' playoff win over Philadelphia. He was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 23. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said Kittle looks good, although the team still wants to see how he responds during the final two practices before determining his availability.
Last season, Kittle recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games.
A major return before facing the Rams
San Francisco's first opponent will be a team entering the season with major expectations. The Rams feature an offense led by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua, while also making significant roster additions.
Bosa's presence changes the matchup because Los Angeles' offensive line will have to account for one of the league's premier pass rushers.
The game also begins an important season for the 49ers, who are looking to regain their status after a campaign affected by injuries and significant changes.
San Francisco opens the season in Australia
The 49ers and Rams will meet Thursday, Sept. 10, at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game will be the first NFL regular-season matchup played in Australia. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
The international trip adds another challenge for both teams, but San Francisco can now enter the opener knowing its defensive star will be available.
Nick Bosa will officially return against the Rams, ending a long wait for the 49ers. The next question will be how many snaps he plays and how his knee responds during the first official game of the season.