Bosa and Kittle accelerate rehab with Week 1 return in sight

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is expected to practice this week after nearly a month off with tendinitis in his right knee, and the team remains optimistic he can play in the season opener against the Rams in Australia. Tight end George Kittle, recovering from a torn Achilles, will also be ramped up in practice. General manager John Lynch noted Bosa's experience with ACL recoveries has guided a patient approach.

Bosa's absence stems from tendinitis in the same right knee that underwent ACL reconstruction last September, marking his third such surgery overall and second on that knee since high school. The 49ers trimmed their defensive end group to just four players on the initial roster, with veteran Ogbo Okoronkwo added to the practice squad as potential early-season depth. First-round pick Mykel Williams remains sidelined on the reserve/PUP list for at least four games following his own November ACL tear complicated by cartilage damage.

Kittle, activated from the PUP list on Aug. 23, faces a travel decision before Wednesday's flight to Melbourne. The team kept four tight ends, though Brayden Willis is recovering from a concussion. Shanahan hopes three upcoming practices clarify Kittle's status before departure, while the tight end has indicated he would skip the Australia trip if not ready to play, prioritizing long-term health over the opener.