All-Pro tight end George Kittle will travel with the San Francisco 49ers as the team departs for Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. The news strongly indicates that Kittle has a legitimate chance to play against the Los Angeles Rams in the 49ers' Week 1 matchup.
Kittle likely would not be making the trip if the 49ers believed he had little chance of playing. Rapoport added that the veteran tight end has put together two positive days of practice. San Francisco will hold one final practice Wednesday before departing for its overseas flight.
"Kittle is trending in the right direction to play," Rapoport wrote.
Kittle is working his way back from the torn Achilles he suffered during last season's playoffs.
Additionally, defensive end Nick Bosa will travel with the 49ers to Australia. Like Kittle, Bosa's inclusion on the trip is an encouraging sign that the star pass rusher could suit up against the Rams in Melbourne.
Bosa appeared in just three games last season before suffering an ACL injury. Although he was medically cleared in time for training camp, he experienced a setback after dealing with soreness and tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee.
Bosa has not practiced in several weeks but is expected to participate in Wednesday's final practice before the 49ers depart for Australia. His status will be one of the key storylines to monitor as San Francisco prepares for its Week 1 showdown 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. Kittle is trending in the right direction to play.
DE Nick Bosa, ramping up with his knee, will also make the trip. pic.twitter.com/4MwRMIRLj5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2026
Mentioned in this article: Nick Bosa, George Kittle
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