George Kittle, Nick Bosa make the flight as 49ers head to Australia for historic opener: reports
The San Francisco 49ers are heading to Melbourne for the league’s inaugural Australian showdown, a contest that will kick off the 2026 NFL season against their NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. The game is set for September 10 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, with a kickoff time of 8:35 p.m. Eastern Time, which translates to 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday.
Tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa made the overseas trek despite nursing significant injuries. Kittle is still rehabilitating a torn Achilles sustained in the Wild Card Round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, while Bosa is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 3 of last season and has been managing tendinitis throughout training camp. Their presence on the flight suggests the coaching staff views them as potential contributors for the opener.
The 49ers’ injury list extends beyond the two stars. Wide receiver Mike Evans, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall—who suffered a PCL injury that will sideline him for the season—have all been dealing with health issues during camp. The team practiced on Wednesday before embarking on the long haul; they are expected to touch down in Australia on Friday, giving players a chance to adjust to the 17‑hour time shift before taking the field.
When asked whether the trip indicated his availability, Kittle offered a measured response: “I would assume so. I mean, that probably makes the most sense. I would assume.”
Across the field, the Rams will rely on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who recently signed a $60 million extension laden with incentives. Notably, defensive standout Aaron Donald was traded to the Cleveland Browns and will not be lining up alongside Myles Garrett on the Los Angeles defensive front.
The voyage underscores the NFL’s broader ambition to stage more regular‑season games outside the United States—a goal affirmed by Commissioner Roger Goodell, who said the league “has no doubt” about expanding its international footprint. As both squads hold practices in Melbourne in the days leading up to the clash, the 49ers and Rams will gain clearer pictures of who is ready to play, setting the stage for what many view as a potential Super Bowl preview.