The San Francisco 49ers are set to travel to Australia with two pivotal players, George Kittle and Nick Bosa, aiming to return for the Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. This trip marks a significant step for both athletes, who are recovering from season-ending injuries sustained in 2025.

George Kittle, the team’s tight end, suffered a torn right Achilles during the wild card round against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11. Remarkably, he has made significant progress in his rehabilitation and was activated off the physically unable to perform list on August 23. General Manager John Lynch expressed optimism about Kittle's readiness, stating, "He’s absolutely crushed them all" in reference to his recovery metrics.

On the other hand, Nick Bosa, a key pass rusher, is also making the trip, which suggests he may be on track to play. Bosa has been recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury he sustained last September. His workload has been increasing, and Lynch is confident in the plan to have him ready for the game in Australia.

The 49ers and Rams will face off on Thursday, September 10, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In preparation for this international contest, the 49ers are flying to Australia on Wednesday to acclimate to the local time zone, a strategy endorsed by scientists to mitigate the effects of jet lag. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, "When you've got a 19-hour flight, and it's a big adjustment on the body, it’s made a lot of sense."

The game will kick off at 8:35 p.m. ET in the U.S., translating to 11:35 a.m. local time in Melbourne on September 11.