The 49ers just dropped their first practice report of 2026, and it’s not looking good with nine players listed as limited during Tuesday’s session. Front and center on that list are defensive end Nick Bosa, still battling knee issues, and tight end George Kittle, nursing an Achilles. These guys just got back from five days in Australia, and already their key players are looking shaky.
Bosa’s Knee: A Lingering Nightmare
Remember Nick Bosa tearing his ACL in his right knee back on Sept. 21 against the Cardinals? He had surgery on Sept. 26. He’s been grinding to get back, but this summer, he was dealing with soreness and tendinitis. The team had to back him down, only bringing him back to practice on Sept. 2. Now, just days later, he’s a limited participant again because of that knee. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris says Bosa will play, which is cool, but here’s the kicker: it’s totally unclear how much. If he even steps on the field, it’s likely going to be on a snap count. That’s a huge blow for their defensive line, losing that consistent pressure and disruption Bosa brings.
Kittle’s Achilles: “Good Shape” Doesn’t Sound Good Enough
Then there’s George Kittle. His situation sounds even more up in the air, if you ask me. This is the same Achilles he tore in a Jan. 11 playoff game against the Eagles. He had surgery three days later, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache doing the repair work. Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak is out there saying Kittle is in “good shape” to play, but that feels like a lot of coach-speak when his status is described as “a little more up in the air.” Like Bosa, if Kittle actually suits up, it’s probably going to be on a snap count. Losing his blocking and his receiving threat is a massive hit to their offensive game plan, especially when trying to find a rhythm early in the season.
More Depth Issues for the Gold and Red
It’s not just Bosa and Kittle either. Their limited list is a whole squad: defensive tackle Alfred Collins (knee), linebacker Luke Gifford (hamstring), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), defensive tackle Gracen Halton (ankle), defensive end Romello Height (ankle), and fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger) are all in the same boat. And get this: defensive tackle James Thompson (hamstring) didn’t even practice at all. Cornerback Upton Stout (Achilles) was a full participant, so that’s something, I guess. But for a team with high expectations, having this many guys banged up so early, especially your two biggest stars, creates a ton of questions.
What a way to kick off the regular season for the 49ers. With so much uncertainty surrounding their two biggest playmakers, it’s going to be a tough road ahead for them. We’ll see if Bosa and Kittle can actually suit up, and if they do, how effective they’ll be. This early injury report could really set the tone for their season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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