The San Francisco 49ers received important positive news before traveling to Australia: Nick Bosa and George Kittle joined the team on its trip to Melbourne ahead of the 2026 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Both players are returning from significant injuries and took part in practices before the trip. The team has managed their workloads carefully, however, and still must determine how much each player can contribute in the opener. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Nick Bosa returns to team work
Bosa's return is especially important because the defensive end suffered a torn ACL in September 2025 that ended his season.
After months of rehabilitation, the five-time Pro Bowl selection returned to team drills before the trip to Australia. Bosa had experienced knee soreness during his recovery, so San Francisco has continued to manage his workload carefully. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Bosa has explained that an important part of his recovery involves rebuilding strength and confidence in his knee. For the 49ers, having their premier pass-rush presence back represents a major boost for a defense looking to begin the season with high expectations.
Bosa has 64.5 career sacks and 278 tackles. Before his injury, he recorded two sacks and 17 tackles during the 2025 season. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
George Kittle is also progressing
Kittle enters this stage of his recovery after suffering a torn Achilles during San Francisco's playoff victory over Philadelphia.
The tight end was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 23 and has gradually increased his work with the team. The 49ers expect him to continue progressing during Week 1 preparation. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Kittle is coming off a 2025 season in which he recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. He has 595 career receptions, 8,008 yards and 52 touchdowns. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
His presence is especially important for Brock Purdy because Kittle provides a threat as both a receiver and blocker and can change how opposing defenses allocate their resources.
San Francisco is managing their workloads
Head coach Kyle Shanahan had indicated that Bosa and Kittle would not necessarily practice on all three consecutive days before the trip. The plan is to increase their activity gradually without putting their recovery at unnecessary risk.
General manager John Lynch has also expressed confidence in the plan developed for Bosa and in the possibility that the defensive star would be ready for the international trip.
The cautious approach makes sense. San Francisco does not need to prove anything about the complete recovery of its stars in September if doing so increases the risk of a setback.
The Rams game will be historic
The 49ers will open the season against the Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, Sept. 10, in the United States and Friday, Sept. 11, in Australia.
It will be the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia. The significance of the event adds another layer of interest to the availability of Bosa and Kittle, two of San Francisco's most recognizable players.
The franchise will have to balance the desire to have its stars available for a historic game with the need to protect them throughout a full season.
Will Nick Bosa and George Kittle play?
Traveling with the team is an encouraging sign, but it does not confirm that either player will participate without restrictions.
San Francisco can still manage their snaps or adjust its plans depending on how their bodies respond during practices in Australia.
For now, the biggest positive is that both players are progressing and are part of the group traveling to prepare for the first game of the season.
Nick Bosa and George Kittle will be with the 49ers in Australia as they continue moving closer to returning to game action. Their final availability will be one of San Francisco's biggest questions before the historic matchup with the Rams. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}