The San Francisco 49ers are expected to have George Kittle and Nick Bosa available against the Los Angeles Rams when the NFC West rivals meet in Australia on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Both stars have been working their way back from significant injuries, making their availability one of the biggest storylines surrounding the historic matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
So, are George Kittle and Nick Bosa playing against the Rams?
Yes. Both Kittle and Bosa are expected to play against the Rams. Neither player received a game-status designation on the 49ers’ final injury report, while Bosa has also publicly indicated that he is ready to play.
Is George Kittle Playing vs. Rams?
George Kittle is expected to play against the Rams in Australia.
The 49ers tight end was limited in practice during the week as San Francisco continued managing his return from the Achilles injury he suffered in January.
However, Kittle did not receive an injury designation for Thursday night’s game.
That means he was not officially listed as questionable, doubtful or out heading into the matchup.
Barring an unexpected setback before kickoff, Kittle is expected to be active against Los Angeles.
Is Nick Bosa Playing vs. Rams?
Yes. Nick Bosa is expected to play against the Rams.
Bosa has been working his way back from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season.
The star defensive end was limited during practices leading up to the game, but he did not receive a final injury designation.
Bosa has also indicated that he is ready to return to game action.
His availability gives San Francisco a major defensive boost for an important NFC West matchup.
George Kittle Injury Update
Kittle is returning from a torn Achilles suffered in January.
Because Achilles injuries require significant rehabilitation, the 49ers have been cautious with Kittle as he prepares to return to regular-season action.
He participated on a limited basis during the practice week in Australia.
The most encouraging development came on the final injury report, when Kittle was given no game-status designation.
That puts him on track to play against Los Angeles.
Nick Bosa Injury Update
Bosa is returning from an ACL injury that ended his previous season.
Like Kittle, Bosa has been gradually working his way back into football activities.
San Francisco has managed his practice workload, but his status has continued trending toward playing against the Rams.
Bosa said following the team’s final practice in Melbourne that he was “100 percent ready to go.”
The 49ers also did not give him an injury designation for the game.
Will George Kittle and Nick Bosa Be on Snap Counts?
One question that remains is how much Kittle and Bosa will actually play.
Being active does not necessarily mean either player will immediately return to his normal workload.
The 49ers have been careful with both players because they are returning from major injuries.
San Francisco could therefore manage their snaps, particularly early in the season.
How Kittle and Bosa respond during the game could determine whether their workloads increase as the season progresses.
49ers Injury Status vs. Rams
| Player | Position | Injury/Recovery | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Kittle | Tight End | Achilles | Expected to play |
| Nick Bosa | Defensive End | Knee/ACL | Expected to play |
Neither Kittle nor Bosa carries an official game-status designation heading into the matchup.
Why George Kittle’s Return Matters
Having Kittle available gives the 49ers one of their most important offensive weapons.
Kittle’s impact extends beyond catching passes.
He can create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs while also contributing significantly as a blocker in San Francisco’s running game.
His presence gives the 49ers another major option in the passing attack against the Rams.
Even if his workload is initially limited, having Kittle on the field could affect how Los Angeles approaches San Francisco’s offense.
Why Nick Bosa’s Return Matters
Bosa’s return could be equally important for the 49ers defense.
The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year has been one of San Francisco’s premier pass rushers throughout his career.
His ability to pressure the quarterback can affect an opposing offense even when he does not record a sack.
Against an NFC West opponent like the Rams, getting Bosa back on the defensive line provides San Francisco with another major playmaker.
When Will George Kittle and Nick Bosa’s Status Be Official?
Although both players are expected to play, the 49ers’ inactive list will provide final confirmation before kickoff.
NFL teams generally announce their inactive players approximately 90 minutes before the game.
Unless either player experiences an unexpected setback, both Kittle and Bosa are on track to be active.
Where Is 49ers vs. Rams Being Played?
The 49ers and Rams will play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the United States, with the matchup taking place Friday local time in Australia.
The game represents a historic moment for the NFL as the league expands its international schedule into Australia.
What Time Is 49ers vs. Rams?
The 49ers vs. Rams game kicks off at 8:35 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Here are the U.S. kickoff times:
- Eastern Time: 8:35 p.m.
- Central Time: 7:35 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 6:35 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 5:35 p.m.
The game will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
Are George Kittle and Nick Bosa Playing Tonight?
Both George Kittle and Nick Bosa are expected to play tonight against the Los Angeles Rams.
Neither 49ers star received an injury designation on the team’s final injury report, putting both on track to make their returns.
The biggest question may not be whether they play, but how many snaps San Francisco gives them as they return from major injuries.
Final confirmation will come when the 49ers release their inactive list approximately 90 minutes before kickoff.
For now, however, San Francisco appears set to have two of its biggest stars available for its historic matchup against the Rams in Australia.