The San Francisco 49ers may be bolstered by the potential return of several key players ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Kyle Shanahan provided positive injury updates on defensive end Nick Bosa, tight end George Kittle, and defensive end Mykel Williams, all of whom have been dealing with significant injuries.
Kittle appears to be the closest to returning. The seven-time Pro Bowl tight end was activated from the physically unable to perform list on August 23, making him eligible for the season opener. Kittle has participated in individual drills but has not yet returned to team practice. He suffered a torn right Achilles during the team's playoff victory over Philadelphia in January.
Bosa is also expected to test his progress next week. The five-time Pro Bowler has been sidelined since August 3 with soreness and tendinitis in his right knee, the same knee where he tore his ACL last season. "He's doing good," Shanahan said Tuesday. "Hoping he can get into practice next week. We'll see how those three days go after the mandatory three days off."
These upcoming practices will be Bosa's final opportunities to work with the team before the 49ers depart for Australia on September 2.
Williams remains the least likely of the three to be ready for Week 1. The defensive end tore his ACL and lateral meniscus in Week 9 last season and remained on the active/PUP list through the end of training camp. Shanahan had previously described Williams as a "long shot" to play in the opener, though he has not been ruled out and is progressing well.
The upcoming week of practices will be crucial in determining whether Bosa, Kittle, and Williams can be cleared to play against the Rams on September 10 in Melbourne. The team's participation in those sessions will provide a clearer picture of their availability.
