MELBOURNE, Australia — The San Francisco 49ers finally received the kind of news they had been waiting for just days before their historic Week 1 showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. One of the biggest pieces of Kyle Shanahan’s offense was back on the practice field Monday in Melbourne, providing a significant boost as San Francisco prepares to open the 2026 season.
That player is George Kittle. The All-Pro tight end participated in individual drills during the media-access portion of the 49ers’ first full practice in Australia, an encouraging development after his long recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered during last season’s playoffs.
For a team entering Week 1 with several major injury questions, seeing No. 85 back on the field could hardly have come at a better time.
George Kittle Is Back on the Field
Kittle’s road back has been one of the biggest storylines surrounding San Francisco throughout the offseason. An Achilles injury can dramatically alter an NFL player’s timeline, and the 49ers have understandably avoided rushing one of the most important weapons in their offense.
But Monday provided perhaps the most encouraging visual yet.
Kittle was on the field with his teammates and participating in individual work as San Francisco began its Week 1 preparation in Melbourne. While that does not by itself guarantee he will play against Los Angeles, NBC Sports Bay Area reported that Kittle appears to be on pace to play in the opener.
That would be enormous for Brock Purdy and the 49ers.
Kittle isn’t simply another receiving option. His ability to create yards after the catch, attack the middle of the field and contribute as a blocker gives Shanahan flexibility that is extremely difficult to replace with one player.
And Kittle Wasn’t the Only Encouraging Development
San Francisco received more good news during Monday’s work.
Wide receiver Mike Evans, cornerback Renardo Green and defensive end Romello Height were among the players participating after dealing with injuries recently. Their return to drills gives the 49ers more encouraging signs as the roster moves closer to game day.
That matters because Week 1 isn’t a normal opener for San Francisco.
The 49ers traveled across the Pacific for their NFC West rivalry game against the Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will become the site of the first NFL regular-season game played in Australia. San Francisco arrived early enough to acclimate, and players have spent the week adjusting to the enormous time-zone change while preparing for Los Angeles.
And now one of Purdy’s most trusted weapons is moving closer to joining him.
But Two Superstar Questions Still Remain
The encouraging Kittle development came with an important warning.
Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa did not participate in team drills during Monday’s media-access portion of practice. McCaffrey was seen doing light warmup work, while Bosa continues to be managed following the knee issues connected to his surgically repaired ACL.
That does not mean either player has been ruled out against Los Angeles.
In fact, Bosa was emphatic before the trip that he intended to play in Australia. Because of the unusual international schedule and time difference, Shanahan also explained Monday that the 49ers were not yet required to provide their formal injury report, meaning more definitive information should arrive as the week progresses.
So for now, those situations remain worth watching.
Kittle Could Change the Entire Look of This Offense
If Kittle is cleared to play, his return immediately gives Purdy another major piece against a familiar NFC West opponent.
The Rams know Shanahan’s offense extremely well, which makes personnel versatility especially valuable. Kittle allows San Francisco to disguise formations, create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, and move between heavier personnel and legitimate passing looks without substituting.
There is also the simple matter of trust.
When a play breaks down or Purdy needs a critical conversion, having a veteran target such as Kittle available changes the options San Francisco can put on the field. And in a season opener where timing and offensive rhythm may not yet be perfect, that familiarity could become particularly important.
Now the Final Injury Report Becomes the Next Big Story
The 49ers and Rams are scheduled to meet Thursday, September 10 at 5:35 p.m. PT, which is Friday morning in Melbourne, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The historic matchup will be streamed nationally on Netflix.
Between now and kickoff, however, San Francisco still has several major questions to answer.
Will McCaffrey return to full work? Will Bosa receive clearance for the opener? And after finally getting back onto the practice field, will Kittle officially be ready when the 49ers offense takes its first snap of 2026?
For now, one sight should have the Faithful feeling considerably better:
George Kittle was back on the field.
And only days before one of the most unusual and historic season openers in franchise history, the timing couldn’t have been much better. ❤️💛
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