San Francisco 49ers stars George Kittle and Nick Bosa received encouraging Week 1 updates before the team’s trip to Australia. (Image via Getty Images)
Whether both stars actually play in Week 1 remains a different question. 2 that Kittle and Bosa would travel with San Francisco for its season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. 2 ahead of their Sept. 10 matchup with the Rams in Melbourne. “The 49ers leave today for their game vs the Rams in Australia, and star TE George Kittle will make the trip after 2 positive days of practice, sources say. 2. 10.
Because he boarded the flight, the 49ers do not need to make that call simply. Because neither player was left behind before one of the longest road trips on the NFL schedule, rapoport’s update is encouraging. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sept. Rapoport reported that Kittle had completed two positive days of practice before the trip.
He later underwent surgery and said he believed he could return “well before November. The San Francisco 49ers are taking George Kittle and Nick Bosa to Australia. Kittle is making progress after a torn Achilles, while Bosa continues working back from a knee injury. The 49ers leave for Australia on Sept. That was enough progress for San Francisco to include him in its travel plans. Kittle is trending in the right direction to play,” Rapoport wrote. He added: “DE Nick Bosa, ramping up with his knee, will also make the trip. Kittle’s status is the more encouraging of the two based on the information available Sept. The seven-time Pro Bowler tore his Achilles during San Francisco’s NFC Wild Card Round win over the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines That distinction matters. It is not confirmation that either has received final clearance. Kittle appears closer based on his recent practice work and Rapoport saying he is “trending in the right direction to play. Bosa remains the bigger uncertainty. For San Francisco, getting both stars to Melbourne is the first positive development. The more important answer will come when the 49ers decide who can actually take the field against the Rams on Sept. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
- Traveling keeps him in the Week 1 conversation. The tight end caught 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games during the 2025 season. The issue entering Week 1 is whether his surgically repaired knee can handle game action after the recent soreness and tendinitis.
San Francisco signed Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel and selected De’Zhaun Stribling in the second round.
He was expected to participate in San Francisco’s final practice before the team left for Australia, according to 49ers Webzone. Bosa’s recovery has been less straightforward. The star defensive end played only three games last season before suffering a torn ACL. He received medical clearance before training camp but later dealt with soreness and tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee. Bosa had not practiced for several weeks entering Sept. It does not guarantee he will play. Kittle would give quarterback Brock Purdy one of his most established targets at a time when San Francisco’s receiving group looks different from last season. His availability carries additional weight after an offseason of turnover. Ricky Pearsall then suffered a season-ending knee injury. Kittle already has years of experience with Purdy. That familiarity could matter immediately while other pieces of the passing game settle into new roles. Bosa presents a different question. San Francisco knows what a healthy Bosa can give its defensive front.
Kittle practiced with the team Tuesday before the trip. His participation and Rapoport’s report now give him a legitimate chance to return much earlier than that initial timeline suggested.