The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will open the 2026 NFL season in Melbourne, Australia, with the two NFC West rivals taking very different approaches to preparing for the international matchup.
San Francisco traveled to Australia last week in an effort to minimize the effects of jet lag, while Los Angeles waited until Tuesday to make the trip, opting for a shorter turnaround before kickoff.
Beyond the unusual travel circumstances, injuries and player availability remain important storylines entering Week 1. The 49ers have several key players returning from significant injuries, while the Rams enter the opener relatively healthy but with questions surrounding a few notable players.
Based on the latest Team SIC Scores, the Rams enter Week 1 at 92.4 compared to 83.6 for the 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers Injury Report
San Francisco enters Week 1 with several key players working their way back from injuries suffered either last season or during the offseason.
George Kittle is returning from the torn Achilles he suffered last season, while Nick Bosa has been working his way back from a torn ACL.
The 49ers also dealt with health concerns involving Mike Evans and Christian McCaffrey during training camp. Both missed time while managing injuries leading up to the season.
San Francisco will be without Ricky Pearsall for the entire 2026 season after the wide receiver underwent knee surgery during the offseason.
Practice Report from Tuesday
Nick Bosa (DE, knee) — LP
Alfred Collins (DT, knee) — LP
Luke Gifford (LB, hamstring) — LP
Renardo Green (CB, hamstring) — LP
Dre Greenlaw (LB, Achilles) — LP
Gracen Halton (DT, ankle) — LP
Romello Height (DE, ankle) — LP
Kyle Juszczyk (FB, finger) — LP
George Kittle (TE, Achilles) — LP
Upton Stout (CB, Achilles) — FP
James Thompson (DT, hamstring) — DNP
Will George Kittle Play vs. Rams?
Kittle's availability will be one of the biggest injury situations to monitor leading into the opener as he completes his return from a torn Achilles.
Los Angeles Rams Injury Updates
The Rams enter Week 1 with a Team SIC Score of 92.4, significantly higher than San Francisco's 83.6, but there are still several player availability situations to monitor.
Puka Nacua and Alaric Jackson are expected to play after offseason issues created uncertainty surrounding their availability for the opener.
Practice Report from Tuesday
Aaron Donald (DE, rest) — LP
Myles Garrett (LB, knee) — DNP
Tyler Higbee (TE, rest) — DNP
Alaric Jackson (T, rest) — DNP
Grant Stuard (LB, hamstring) — LP
Jaylen Watson (CB, toe) — DNP
Byron Young (LB, rest) — DNP
Will Aaron Donald Play vs. 49ers?
Another major talking point was Aaron Donald, who is returning to the Rams after retiring following the 2023 season. On Tuesday, Head Coach Sean McVay announced that Donald will not travel to Australia and has been ruled out for Week 1 against the 49ers.
49ers vs. Rams Team SIC Scores
Los Angeles Rams — 92.4
San Francisco 49ers — 83.6
The Team SIC Score measures overall roster health and the potential impact of injuries, with a higher score indicating a healthier team.
Los Angeles enters Week 1 with a clear health advantage based on the latest Team SIC Scores. San Francisco's lower score reflects a roster that enters the season with multiple players returning from significant injuries and Pearsall already lost for the year.
