San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and tight end George Kittle are both on track to play in Thursday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, according to team coaches reporting ahead of Week 1.
The San Francisco 49ers arrived in Melbourne facing two massive injury questions for their regular-season debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Defensive end Nick Bosa and tight end George Kittle made the long flight to Australia with their teammates, a journey considered a key step in their bid to take the field against the Los Angeles Rams.
Nick Bosa Set to Play Despite Tendinitis
Bosa is working his way back from a torn ACL in his right knee that cost him 14 games last season after suffering the injury in a Week 3 win over the Cardinals. He also managed knee tendinitis during training camp and the preseason, but returned to full practice on September 2 for the first time since his procedure.
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris dismissed any lingering doubt about the star pass rusher’s availability for Thursday’s game during his media availability in Australia.
“Oh, he’s going out there. Whatever you want to say, he’s going. We’re not hiding that.”
Raheem Morris, 49ers defensive coordinator
George Kittle Trending Toward Week 1 Return
While Bosa’s status is cemented, the team has taken a slightly more measured approach with Kittle. The veteran tight end tore his right Achilles tendon on January 11 during San Francisco’s 23-19 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. He underwent surgery three days later and was activated from the injured list on August 23 ahead of the team’s international trip.
Kittle participated in the 49ers’ first Melbourne practice on Monday, handling individual work as the team prepared for the opening clash. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak offered an encouraging assessment of the tight end’s progress during his Tuesday media session.
“Super impressed with how he’s looked considering the injury he had and how quickly he got back out on the field and just committed to his rehab. And it’s been pretty cool to see Kittle out there looking like himself to me. Looking fresh. How that affects him on game day and what the workload is will be determined.”
Klay Kubiak, 49ers offensive coordinator
Kubiak noted that while Kittle is tracking in the right direction to suit up roughly eight months after his surgery, coaches will monitor how he handles game speed and what kind of snap count makes sense for his return.
Preparing for the Rams
Facing a division rival in a unique international venue presents steep logistical and competitive hurdles. Kubiak emphasized the severe test posed by the Los Angeles defensive line, noting that preparing for top-tier opponents requires constant attention.
The 49ers also welcome back wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the offensive mix. Kubiak praised Samuel’s attitude and approach in practice, stressing the importance of getting him involved early. With Bosa anchoring the defense and Kittle nearing a gametime clearance, San Francisco prepares to kick off its campaign on foreign soil.
