49ers Injury Report: Thompson Returns, Bosa & Kittle Limited for Opener

As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for their Thursday night season opener on September 10, 2026, the team's injury report offers a mix of cautious optimism and lingering uncertainty. The most encouraging development came Wednesday when defensive tackle James Thompson (hamstring) returned to limited practice participation after sitting out Tuesday's session. Thompson's return is a welcome boost for a defensive line that recently lost Alfred Collins to a knee injury, as reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk.

Bosa's Road to Recovery

All eyes remain on star defensive end Nick Bosa, who continues to be listed as limited due to a knee injury. Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during a September 21 game against the Arizona Cardinals and underwent surgery on September 26. His recovery has been a rollercoaster, with soreness and tendinitis during the summer prompting the 49ers to slow his ramp-up. He only returned to practice on September 2. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has stated that Bosa will play, but the exact snap count remains a game-time decision. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Bosa's presence alone could shift the momentum of any matchup, but his effectiveness on a limited workload is the key question.

Kittle's Status Up in the Air

Tight end George Kittle's situation is even more fluid. Kittle is working his way back from a torn right Achilles sustained in a January 11 playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He too was limited in Wednesday's practice, and if he suits up, he is likely to be on a snap count. The 49ers' offensive game plan may need to adapt without their All-Pro tight end at full strength. As highlighted on Vulius, Kittle's ability to stretch the field and block on the edge is irreplaceable, making his availability a critical storyline for the opener.

Other Names on the Report

Beyond the headline names, several other key contributors were limited in Wednesday's session: linebacker Luke Gifford (hamstring), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), defensive tackle Gracen Halton (ankle), defensive end Romello Height (ankle), and fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger). Cornerback Upton Stout (Achilles) was the only full participant, a positive sign for the secondary. The 49ers will need all hands on deck as they face a formidable opponent in the season opener, and the Vulius analysis desk will be tracking these statuses up until kickoff.