The San Francisco 49ers opened their Melbourne preparations with one concern and one positive development ahead of their 2026 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Nick Bosa and Christian McCaffrey did not participate in the portion of Monday's practice open to the media, while George Kittle took part in individual work on the field. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Bosa's situation is particularly important because the defensive end is coming off a lengthy recovery and has dealt with tendinitis in his surgically reconstructed right knee for much of the preparation period. McCaffrey, meanwhile, has been managed carefully during training camp.
Will Nick Bosa play against the Rams?
For now, Nick Bosa's absence from Monday's practice does not mean he has been ruled out. The 49ers were not required to issue an official participation report because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the international game and the time difference between Australia and the United States.
Bosa has publicly expressed his intention to play in the opener. Before traveling to Australia, the defensive star made it clear that he expected to be on the field against Los Angeles. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Head coach Kyle Shanahan also declined to provide additional injury information. He explained that because San Francisco was technically ahead of Los Angeles in the calendar due to the game's location, the team did not yet have to provide its formal injury report.
Christian McCaffrey is also being handled carefully
The other notable absence was Christian McCaffrey. The running back was in Melbourne and spoke with reporters before the session, but he did not participate in the portion of on-field work available to the media.
The situation does not necessarily indicate a new injury. McCaffrey previously explained during preparation that the team was carefully managing his workload with the goal of keeping him fresh throughout the season.
The running back appeared in all 17 games last season and finished with 1,202 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 311 carries. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Given his importance, the 49ers have every reason to avoid unnecessary workloads before the first official game.
George Kittle provides a positive sign
While Bosa and McCaffrey were absent from the open drills, George Kittle participated in individual work. The tight end is returning from the Achilles rupture he suffered during San Francisco's playoff win over Philadelphia last season.
Kittle's participation represents an important step forward. He is approaching eight months since the injury, and his return to practice in Australia increases optimism about his availability for Week 1. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Several players who had recently dealt with injuries also returned to drills, including Mike Evans, Romello Height and Renardo Green, providing encouraging signs about the recovery of several roster pieces.
The 49ers need clarity before Thursday
San Francisco still has two important practices before facing the Rams. Tuesday and Wednesday should provide a much clearer picture of Bosa and McCaffrey's status and whether either player receives a formal limitation or increases his workload.
Bosa's case deserves particular attention because the pass rusher is one of the central pieces of San Francisco's defense. If available, he will provide a major threat against Matthew Stafford. If his workload needs to be limited, the coaching staff will have to adjust its defensive rotation.
The same principle applies to McCaffrey on offense. His presence changes the way a defense can prepare for San Francisco even before he touches the ball.
San Francisco opens the season in Australia
The 49ers will face the Rams on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Melbourne Cricket Ground in a game that will open San Francisco's regular season and become the first NFL regular-season game played in Australia. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
The international setting adds another element to the players' physical preparation. San Francisco arrived in Melbourne before Los Angeles and is adjusting to a major time-zone change while trying to maintain its normal game-week routine.
For now, the key point is that Bosa and McCaffrey have not been ruled out, while Kittle provided a positive development in his recovery. The next practices will be critical in determining which stars Kyle Shanahan will have available for the opener.
Expectations will grow over the next 48 hours, especially around Bosa, whose knee recovery has been one of the major storylines surrounding the 49ers during the 2026 preparation period.