Rams have another player to worry about against 49ers

Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams begin their 2026 season Thursday against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, in the NFL‘s first regular-season game in the country. Los Angeles enters the matchup with Super Bowl expectations and one of the league’s most talented rosters, but the opener comes with an important defensive adjustment.

The Rams added Myles Garrett in the offseason to a defense that already had several established pieces. They also brought back Aaron Donald who had retired, giving the unit even more star power. But he will not be available for the opener.

San Francisco, meanwhile, has several of its biggest offensive weapons available, and one in particular could force Los Angeles to account for more than just the 49ers’ receivers and Christian McCaffrey.

MORE:49ers lose top player for the rest of the season

George Kittle is off the injury report for 49ers

49ers tight end George Kittle is off the injury report and is expected to play Thursday against the Rams, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner and Adam Schefter. Kittle had been listed as a limited participant this week while working back from the torn Achilles he suffered in San Francisco’s playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles in January.

Kittle’s availability changes the matchup for Los Angeles as he is not simply another receiving option for Brock Purdy. Kittle can line up inline, in the slot or split out wide, forcing defenses to adjust their personnel and coverage without knowing where he will attack.

The Rams saw what that could look like last season. Kittle caught nine passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in San Francisco’s 42-26 loss to Los Angeles in November. He was particularly effective as San Francisco tried to keep pace with Stafford’s offense.

His return to the lineup gives the 49ers a weapon they did not have in that matchup.

Aaron Donald absent as Rams and 49ers deal with injuries

The Rams will not have Donald for the opener. Sean McVay confirmed the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will remain in Los Angeles as he continues his preparation following his return from retirement.

That puts more responsibility on a defensive front led by Garrett, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford. Garrett himself is dealing with knee swelling but has been cleared to play on Friday.

MORE: Rams fans to wait at least 2 weeks before Aaron Donald’s return

The Rams will try to utilize their revamped defensive front to generate enough pressure without Donald with Kittle now back in the lineup. Garrett can change the game from the edge, but Kittle gives San Francisco another way to attack a defense that is already trying to account for McCaffrey and the rest of the 49ers’ offense.

San Francisco has its own defensive concerns as well. Alfred Collins suffered a torn patellar tendon and is out for the season, while James Thompson has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Nick Bosa was limited during the week but carries no game designation.

The game kicks off at 8:35 p.m. ET Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and will stream exclusively on Netflix.

—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—