Nick Bosa, Mike Evans, and George Kittle’s health is the immediate gut-punch for the San Francisco 49ers as they wrap up their final practice before jetting off to Australia for their September 10th season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Eight days is an eternity in football, but with the team boarding that long flight, these lingering injury concerns are absolutely massive, not to mention the other holes still on the roster. You gotta wonder if this flight halfway around the world is really ideal when key guys are already banged up.
Key Veterans On The Move, But Are They Ready?
The good news, if you can call it that, is that Bosa, Evans, and Kittle were all practicing and are confirmed to be flying to Australia. That’s a decent sign they’ll likely suit up for Week 1, because who would put players in danger of missing the game through a brutal international flight? Still, it’s not exactly ideal for three critical pieces to be even *questionable* this close to the opener. Bosa and Kittle are vital for the 49ers’ success. Without a fully healthy, effective Bosa, that defense takes a huge hit, period. Evans’ presence and production are also absolutely needed for their 2026 offense. Managing all three of these guys through the grind of the season is going to be key, and honestly, it’s a concern right out of the gate.
The Left Guard Spot Is A Mess
When Kyle Shanahan openly says they haven’t decided who starts at left guard, and the team just traded for veteran Jarett Patterson from the Texans, it just doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence, does it? They’ve been trying to find a consistent starter at that spot ever since Aaron Banks left, and it’s clearly still a problem. Neither Carver Willis nor Connor Colby has taken the lead in the competition. They’ve both shown some good plays on tape, sure, but consistency is the killer, and it’s a huge worry. Is Patterson really the simple answer, just dropped in? We’ll see, but having this many options still fighting for a starting spot this close to Week 1 can’t be viewed as a positive. The decision looms large, and it’s got to get sorted.
Who Plays Cornerback Opposite Lenoir?
This is another huge one, especially with those Rams weapons lurking. Renardo Green is dealing with a hamstring injury and wasn’t practicing today. And then veteran cornerback Jack Jones was on the side field working through an undisclosed injury. You’ve got Green not practicing, Jones banged up, and now they’re all jumping on a flight to Australia? Man, that second outside cornerback spot becomes way more of a concern when the team is potentially facing Davante Adams and Puka Nacua in Week 1. It’s easy to say the safety position is solid, but if Green and Jones are out, a guy like Ephesians Prysock might be thrown right into a “welcome to the NFL” moment.
So, the 49ers are flying halfway across the world with some serious question marks hanging over their heads. That Week 1 clash against the Rams is going to be a real test. Can their key vets hold up after that journey? Will they find a reliable guard and corner in time? Buckle up, because this season opener is shaping up to be a wild one right from the jump.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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