49ers Train in Melbourne Ahead of MCG Clash With Rams

The San Francisco 49ers have taken to the training paddock in Melbourne, conducting their first Australian practice session at Amy Park as preparations intensify for Friday morning's NFL International Series clash against the Los Angeles Rams at the MCG.

The rectangular pitch at Amy Park — a rugby and soccer venue — offered a more familiar shape for gridiron than the vast oval of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, though reporters on the scene noted the grass surface closely matches what the 49ers will encounter on game day at the MCG, known locally as simply "the G."

Tight end George Kittle was an encouraging sight, running routes and taking passes during the open portion of the session. Wide receiver Mike Evans was also active in pre-practice work, running ball-security drills with a teammate simulating a defender attempting to strip the ball. Cornerbacks Renardo Green and Renardo Romeo Height were both present and participating, suggesting the 49ers are tracking close to full strength ahead of the historic fixture.

The situation surrounding star defensive end Nick Bosa will command attention as the week progresses. Bosa was not observed with the defensive linemen during the media-accessible warm-up period, having managed just one 11-on-11 session since returning from a torn ACL sustained in Week 3 of the 2025 season. Coach Kyle Shanahan is expected to manage his workload carefully. Bosa himself, however, was characteristically blunt before boarding the flight to Australia, telling reporters he intended to play regardless. His practice participation in the coming days will be the clearest indicator of his readiness.

Running back Christian McCaffrey was present on the field but appeared in standard workout clothing rather than full practice gear and was not taking part in team drills. The 49ers are not required to release an injury or practice participation report until Tuesday under the NFL's Friday-game rules, which should provide a clearer picture of where McCaffrey and Bosa stand.

The session was also notable for the absence of offensive lineman Sam Okuwanu, who was placed on injured reserve before the squad departed California. Shanahan confirmed Okuwanu had been carrying a surgically implanted plate in his foot for some time. During the team's final Wednesday practice back home, he stepped awkwardly and the plate fractured, requiring corrective surgery. "Hopefully we can get him back later in the year, but it was a real tough loss. I hurt for Sam O, I hurt for our team, but hopefully we can take care of business and he can come back sooner than later," Shanahan said.

Meanwhile, the Rams are scheduled to depart the west coast of the United States on Tuesday and arrive in Melbourne on Thursday — a notably compressed Australian acclimatisation window compared to the 49ers, who have now been on the ground for several days. Shanahan acknowledged the jet-lag adjustment has been individual, noting some players felt strong early while others needed more time, and said Monday was the first day he personally felt close to normal since landing.

The coaching staff has largely remained away from Melbourne's sights, focused on game planning and maintaining a standard weekly rhythm. A handful of players — reports suggest seven to ten — found time for some sightseeing, including a visit to an Australian rules football venue, getting a taste of the country hosting one of the NFL's most unusual regular-season games.