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Kittle’s return marks a notable recovery following a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the team’s wild-card playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, 2026. Although the tight end was limited during practice sessions earlier this week, he has been removed from the official injury report and carries no game designation, confirming his availability for the season opener. NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed the status of the veteran playmaker, noting his scheduled return to action in the international contest.
Defensive Reinforcements and Matchup Details
Defensive end Nick Bosa is also set to make his return after being sidelined since Week 3 of the 2025 season with a torn ACL. While the 49ers coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, managed Bosa’s workload throughout the week with limited practice participation, he has been cleared to play. His presence is expected to bolster a San Francisco defense facing a Rams squad featuring notable contributors such as quarterback Matthew Stafford and recent acquisition Myles Garrett.
The game is scheduled for a 8:35 p.m. ET kickoff on Thursday, September 10, 2026, which corresponds to 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, in Melbourne. The event will be broadcast exclusively via a national stream on Netflix, with local over-the-air coverage provided by KNBC in Los Angeles and NBC Bay Area in San Francisco. The broadcast team will feature Noah Eagle on play-by-play and Luke Kuechly as the analyst, supported by sideline reporters Tom Pelissero and MJ Acosta-Ruiz.
The international spectacle includes a variety of entertainment, with the Jonas Brothers headlining the halftime show. Pre-game ceremonies will feature performances of the Australian and American national anthems by Cody Simpson and the band Infinity Song, respectively. While the 49ers welcome back their stars, they will be without defensive tackle Alfred Collins, who is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, while teammate James Thompson Jr. remains questionable due to a hamstring injury. The Rams will be without Aaron Donald, who is not traveling for the game following his return from retirement.
