The San Francisco 49ers open their season against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, as the two clash in the first-ever NFL International Series gameplayed in Australia. And the 49ers have delivered a thrilling update on one of their injured stars just hours ahead of kickoff.
The latest injury report has seen the full removal of tight end George Kittle, who tore his Achilles in January and had his sights set on making his return in Week 1. Kittle's initially unlikely recovery in time for Week 1 now appears complete, and he will be available to make an impact for the 49ers against the Rams.
#49ers star TE George Kittle, who tore his Achilles on Jan 11 and has been aiming for a Week 1 return, is now off the injury report with no game designation.
He’ll play against the #Rams, completing an improbable comeback. DL Nick Bosa (knee) also has no game status. pic.twitter.com/BJgosimUpN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2026
An eight-month timetable for a full recovery from an Achilles injury is not common, and many were ruling out such a return this early in the season. But now that he is back, fans can be relatively certain that he will play a major role in how the Week 1 NFC West clash between the Rams and 49ers shakes out.
Kittle was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2023 and 2024, and was on pace to come close to that mark last season had he not missed several games due to a hamstring injury. A five-time All-Pro selection, Kittle is among the top targets on the roster for San Francisco when he's healthy,
The injury report also indicates a return for Nick Bosa along the defensive line. Bosa is one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, but he missed all but three games last season with a torn ACL. He will provide a significant boost to the defensive side of the ball for the 49ers. The two returns combined should help significantly bolster the 49ers in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 49ers deliver massive injury update on George Kittle ahead of Week 1
