NFL

Nick Bosa and George Kittle set to return for 49ers' season opener against Rams

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 8, 2026, 09:16 IST

San Francisco 49ers stars Nick Bosa and George Kittle are trending toward playing in Thursday's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams following their respective injury recoveries.

Nick Bosa and George Kittle set to return for 49ers' season opener against Rams

The San Francisco 49ers are poised for a significant boost ahead of their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams this Thursday, with key starters Nick Bosa and George Kittle appearing set to return to the field. Both players have been navigating lengthy injury rehabilitations, but coaching staff updates from the team's training camp in Australia suggest they are on track for the Week 1 clash.

Defensive end Nick Bosa is working his way back from a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury that sidelined him during Week 3 of last season. Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle has been recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon sustained in January. As the team prepares for the upcoming matchup, the outlook for both players has become increasingly positive.

Coaching staff confident in injury recoveries

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris provided a clear indication regarding Bosa’s status for the game. When asked if the defensive end would be available, Morris was direct, stating that Bosa is expected to participate. He emphasized that the team is not attempting to conceal his status, noting that Bosa’s professional approach to his rehabilitation has been instrumental in his recovery process.

The situation regarding Kittle is similarly encouraging, though the team is maintaining a standard level of caution. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak expressed admiration for the tight end's rapid progress and commitment to his recovery program. While Kubiak noted that a final decision on Kittle’s participation will be confirmed following the conclusion of the practice week, he confirmed that the player has been practicing at full speed and taking a significant number of repetitions.

Preparation for the Rams matchup

Bosa’s journey back to the lineup involved a measured approach during training camp. After initially participating in individual drills, he dealt with soreness and tendinitis, which caused him to miss some time. However, he returned to practice last week and indicated that he felt ready to play, provided he experienced no further setbacks. The 49ers have managed his workload carefully, and while his exact snap count remains to be seen, the coaching staff anticipates his involvement.

Kittle has shown consistent progress since being activated from the physically unable to perform list on August 24. He has been a regular participant in team drills during the sessions held in Australia. With two practices remaining before the Thursday kickoff, the 49ers are monitoring how both players respond to the final stages of their preparation. The team remains optimistic that these two pivotal figures will be available to bolster the roster for the start of the season.