The San Francisco 49ers are set to open their 2026 season in Australia against the LA Rams — but the real story is whether star tight end George Kittle, recovering from a torn Achilles, will be ready for the grueling 16-hour flight. While Kittle insists he’s on track, ESPN’s Adam Schefter warns against rushing him, especially with the extreme travel involved. Still, Kittle’s progress is encouraging — teammates report he’s hitting 16 mph and looking strong in OTAs. The 49ers must balance his return with long-term health, but if he keeps improving through training camp, a Week 1 debut isn’t impossible. The clock is ticking — and the world is watching.

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