49ers Head to Australia for Historic NFL Game Against Rams

The San Francisco 49ers are set to make history by participating in the first-ever NFL game in Australia. This milestone matchup will have them face off against the Los Angeles Rams, their NFC West rivals, to start the 2026 season.

There is excitement among fans as key players George Kittle and Nick Bosa join the trip. Reports confirm their presence with the team, a promising sign considering their recent injuries.

Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during the Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11. Meanwhile, Bosa tore his ACL last season in Week 3 and has dealt with tendinitis throughout training camp.

The 49ers’ training camp has faced several challenges with injuries affecting various players. Recently acquired wide receiver Mike Evans, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and Kittle and Bosa all faced health issues. Additionally, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is out with a PCL injury.

Despite these setbacks, the presence of Kittle and Bosa in Australia hints at possible participation in the regular season opener. Kittle recently acknowledged the logical connection between traveling with the team and playing in the game.

The team flew to Australia after practice on Wednesday, anticipating a Friday arrival. They prepared for the 17-hour time difference to acclimate players ahead of their September 10 game against the Rams, scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET. In Australia, the kickoff will happen on Friday morning at 10:35 a.m. at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

As the game approaches, the availability of Kittle, Bosa, and other players will become clearer during practice sessions. The 49ers are considered strong Super Bowl contenders this season. The Rams, with MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, were bolstered by Aaron Donald’s return from retirement and his partnership with Myles Garrett post-trade with the Cleveland Browns.