For the duration of the preseason, one of the most prominent headlines for the San Francisco 49ers was whether tight end George Kittle would be ready for Week 1. Since his Achilles tear in last year’s playoffs, he has been on a fast track to return, but his status has remained up in the air.
As of Wednesday, that picture just got cleared up in a major way. Kittle has been reported to travel with the team on the 17-hour flight to Melbourne, Australia. With the news, the Rams can begin formulating their defensive game plan by making one safe assumption.
Kittle's travel status is a clear indication that he will suit up come game time. The 49ers have a long season ahead of them. It would be senseless to make their swiftly recovering tight end travel internationally if he wasn't at least probable for opening kickoff.
17 hours is a long time to sit in one place. Such a trip could cause significant muscle stiffness, which is not something a team would want if a player was on the verge of recovering from a serious injury.
Rams can start game planning for George Kittle's return
Because the Niners are tipping their hands so clearly, the newly unretired Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, and the rest of the stout Rams defense can begin to prepare for the matchup like Kittle will be a part of the offense. Given how efficient quarterback Brock Purdy has been when throwing to the Pro Bowl tight end, a few extra prep days could go a long way in deterring the San Francisco attack.
The real surprise would be if Kittle gets ruled out. If that's the case, the 49ers would essentially be shooting themselves in the foot, as they would've made their offensive cornerstone travel 34 hours round-trip for nothing. If that were the case, it would be an early frontrunner for one of the most ludicrous decisions of the year made by any team.
Edge rusher Nick Bosa will also be accompanying the team, and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will be able to make a similar hypothesis on his playing status. Because the game requires so many travel accommodations, the 49ers have been put in a tough spot, as they lack the element of surprise when it comes to hiding the status of their battered stars.
With Kittle and Bosa likely back in the fold, though, the game should be competitive, with each division rival throwing their best punch at the other. With the game just over a week away, fans are hoping it lives up to the hype.
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