The San Francisco 49ers have commenced their final series of practices ahead of their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, set to take place in Australia on September 11. However, the team is facing challenges with defensive end Nick Bosa still unable to participate in team drills, while tight end George Kittle is working towards a return to full activity.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan provided updates before the team's first practice of the week, indicating that both Kittle and Bosa were expected to engage in team drills as the week progressed. While Kittle participated in individual drills, Bosa was absent from the field during the open practice session, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming game.
Bosa is currently recovering from a torn ACL that he sustained in Week 3 of the previous season. He began training camp on the active roster but was sidelined in early August due to discomfort in his surgically repaired right knee. The 49ers have since adopted a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, aiming to ensure he is fully prepared for the opener. General manager John Lynch emphasized the importance of Bosa's own awareness of his body, noting that he had to dial back his activity after experiencing soreness.
Historically, Bosa has been a dominant force on the field, recording at least nine sacks in every season he has played without injury in September. Drafted second overall in 2019, Bosa has consistently proven to be one of the league's most effective edge rushers, earning Pro Bowl selections in each of his healthy seasons and winning the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022, when he led the league with an impressive 18.5 sacks.
Kittle’s situation is also noteworthy. After suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during a playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, he has made significant strides in his recovery, returning to practice less than eight months post-injury. Kittle was activated from the physically unable to perform list on August 23 and participated in individual drills last week, but his status for the opener remains uncertain. Shanahan expressed hope that the upcoming practices will facilitate a decision regarding Kittle's availability for the game.
The matchup against the Rams presents an additional challenge for the 49ers, particularly with the return of defensive star Aaron Donald from retirement. Donald, a three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year, is known for his formidable presence on the field, having recorded 12.5 career sacks against the 49ers, which ties him for the most in history. Lynch acknowledged the Rams' strengthened roster with Donald's return, highlighting the need for the 49ers to prepare adequately.
In addition to Bosa and Kittle's situations, the 49ers made roster moves earlier this week, placing linebacker Nick Martin and cornerback Nate Hobbs on injured reserve, which will keep them out for at least the first four games of the season. The team has also welcomed back punter Corliss Waitman and safety Ashtyn Davis after they were initially released, while long snapper Jon Weeks has been re-signed to the practice squad. Furthermore, twelve additional players have been signed to the practice squad, bolstering the team's depth as they head into the season.
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