49ers make massive George Kittle, Nick Bosa decisions for Week 1

Throughout 2026, the statuses of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and star pass-rusher Nick Bosa for the club's Week 1 game versus the Los Angeles Rams have been up in the air. 

On Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared updates on both players that should excite 49ers fans.

49ers will have George Kittle, Nick Bosa in Australia

According to Rapoport, Kittle and Bosa are both making the trip "to Australia to play" for the 49ers against the Rams. 

Kittle suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Jan. 11, but his recovery was referred to as "eye-popping" during the preseason. He was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 23, and sources told Rapoport that Kittle "is trending in the right direction to play" against the Rams. 

Kittle missed time last fall due to a hamstring injury, so it was previously thought the 49ers could be extra cautious regarding his return to action. It now seems like that won't be necessary. 

Last season, Kittle recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns over 11 games. He and offseason acquisition Mike Evans could now both be red-zone targets for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy against the Rams. 

On Tuesday, 49ers general manager John Lynch suggested that Evans will be available for Week 1 after the veteran had been slowed by injuries earlier in the summer. 

No Nick Bosa guarantee for the 49ers quite yet?

As for Bosa, he is coming off the season-ending ACL tear he suffered on Sept. 21 of last year. It was learned on Aug. 11 that he was "considered week-to-week due to tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee," and he ultimately did not practice for most of training camp.

On Tuesday, Evan Webeck of the New York Post mentioned that the 49ers won't know if Bosa's knee will flare up again until they are "halfway around the globe at an elevation of 40,000 feet." Meanwhile, fellow San Francisco pass-rusher Mykel Williams will miss at least four games due to being placed on the physically unable to perform list. Williams is recovering from the torn right ACL he suffered last November.