49ers Travel to Australia for Historic NFL Game Against Rams
The San Francisco 49ers are heading to Australia to participate in the first-ever NFL game on the continent. They will face off against their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams, to kick off the 2026 season.
Fans are hopeful as tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa, key players on Kyle Shanahan’s roster, are traveling with the team. Reports confirm their participation, raising excitement for the upcoming match.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers walks on the field before a preseason NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
The news is promising given that both players have been recovering from injuries. Kittle tore his Achilles during the Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, while Bosa suffered an ACL tear in Week 3 last season. Bosa also dealt with tendinitis throughout training camp.
The 49ers have struggled with injuries during camp, affecting their depth. New wide receiver Mike Evans, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall have also faced health setbacks. Despite these challenges, Kittle and Bosa’s journey to Australia suggests potential reinforcements for the regular season opening.
As Kittle commented, his presence in Australia likely indicates his readiness to play. Following a practice session, the team departed for Australia, aiming to acclimate to the 17-hour time difference ahead of their match against the Rams on Sept. 10.
The game will kick off at Melbourne Cricket Ground at 10:35 a.m. local time, equivalent to 8:35 p.m. ET on Friday. In preparation, the teams will adapt to the time change and hold practices to determine player availability, including Kittle and Bosa.
Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, Calif.
Both teams are seen as strong contenders this season. The Rams have MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford returning, alongside Aaron Donald, who unexpectedly came out of retirement and joined Myles Garrett on the defensive line after a trade with the Cleveland Browns.