The most notable absence was star pass rusher Nick Bosa, who returned to practice last week after an extended absence. The good news is that Bosa was seen suited up ahead of the unpadded practice, which suggests the 49ers are simply being cautious with their veteran defensive end.
Bosa is returning from the ACL injury that limited him to just three games last season. Although he was medically cleared at the start of training camp, Bosa experienced soreness and tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee, forcing him to miss several weeks of practice.
Last week, after his first practice back, Bosa was asked whether he was confident he would play against the Rams.
"After today, yeah. It was pretty good," Bosa responded.
The defensive end admitted that he may have ramped up his workload too quickly at the start of training camp.
"It kind of told me to back off," Bosa said. "I've just been trying to get it as strong and as confident in myself, as confident as I can, to where I could rip the Band-Aid off and go to team [drills] today. Because once you get into team, there's no reservations, there's no ... taking a little effort. There's no governor."
Last season's ACL injury was the second of Bosa's NFL career and his third overall. He is entering his eighth NFL season and has recorded 64.5 sacks over his career.
Christian McCaffrey doesn't participate in drills
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that running back Christian McCaffrey also did not participate in drills during the portion of practice open to the media. Reporters are required to leave before team drills begin. The 49ers are likely being cautious with McCaffrey as the regular season quickly approaches.
However, tight end George Kittle was participating, which could be a positive sign as he works toward playing in Week 1.
More positive news for the 49ers
According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, several 49ers players who have recently missed time were practicing during the portion of Monday's session open to the media.
Cornerback Renardo Green, wide receiver Jacob Cowing, and defensive linemen Romello Height and Gracen Halton were among those participating in the 49ers' first practice of the week.
Green had been dealing with a hamstring injury, while Cowing was recovering from a groin injury. Height and Halton were sidelined with ankle injuries.
Wide receiver Mike Evans, who had been dealing with an adductor injury, practiced with his teammates.
With the 49ers preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Melbourne, the participation of Bosa, McCaffrey, Kittle, and the other injured players will be worth monitoring throughout the week.
Related News
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Notebook: Sam Okuayinonu injury revealed; Captains announced in Melbourne; Adjusting to time change
The San Francisco 49ers recently placed defensive end Sam Okuayinonu on injured reserve after ruling him out for their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The defensive lineman did not travel with the team to Melbourne, Australia. Head coach Kyle Shanahan—now... -
49ers 53-Man Roster: Quick Hits on Every Player Heading to Melbourne
After a few days of roster shakeups, demotions, cuts, and re-signings, the San Francisco 49ers went wheels up to Melbourne and have subsequently arrived as they prepare for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams next week. The game cannot come soon enough, considering... -
49ers in Melbourne: Rams' plan to avoid San Francisco fans could backfire
The NFL seemingly took away a significant advantage for the San Francisco 49ers by scheduling head coach Kyle Shanahan's team to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in Week 1. The 49ers have essentially benefited from two home games each season while playing the... -
49ers Keys to Victory vs. Rams: Path to a Week 1 Win in Melbourne
The San Francisco 49ers will begin their 2026 season as far away from Levi's Stadium as possible. San Francisco and the Los Angeles Rams will renew their NFC West rivalry Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, the first NFL regular-season game ever played on the...