Nick Bosa and George Kittle Expected to Face Rams in Melbourne Opener

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris confirmed Nick Bosa will play Thursday, while George Kittle is practicing at full speed following a January Achilles tear.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and tight end George Kittle are expected to play in Thursday's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris confirmed Bosa’s availability for the matchup, stating the edge rusher is "going out there" despite recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee sustained in Week 3 of the previous season. Bosa recently overcame a period of tendinitis and soreness during training camp, returning to practice last week before the team traveled to Australia.

George Kittle is also trending toward a return after tearing his right Achilles tendon in January. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak noted that Kittle has been practicing at full speed and taking a high volume of repetitions. The 49ers activated the tight end from the physically unable to perform list on August 24, and he has since participated in team drills and both media-accessible practice sessions in Melbourne. While Kubiak indicated a final decision on Kittle's workload will follow the remaining two practices of the week, the coordinator described the veteran as "looking like himself."

Bosa’s specific snap count remains undetermined as the team manages his return from injury. The defensive end previously indicated he felt he had achieved a physical breakthrough prior to the trip, provided he suffers no setbacks before kickoff. This Week 1 contest marks the first time both players will be active since their respective major injuries last season.