George Kittle more likely than Nick Bosa to play in 49ers opener vs. Rams

SANTA CLARA — There’s no more pressing decision for the San Francisco 49ers than the names that will make up the passenger manifest for Wednesday’s globe-crossing flight.Who gets on the plane will determine who has a chance of playing in their season opener against the Rams a week later, next Thursday in Melbourne, Australia.And with two days until departure, the Niners know more about George Kittle than Nick Bosa.Kittle, who tore his Achilles tendon on January 11, took a massive step in his recovery this week when he rejoined the team for 11-on-11 drills.That happened Monday, per GM John Lynch.Bosa, who had his ACL in his right knee surgically repaired for the second time last September, still hasn’t gotten there.

While Kittle has been a visible participant since returning to practice last Sunday — and made his presence known even while he was physically incapable — Bosa has been mysteriously absent, even as his ramp-up was supposed to intensify this week.Could it really be possible that Kittle, less than nine months removed from his injury, has lapped Bosa, who got hurt four months earlier, in their rehabs?Of the two, it sure looks like he has the better chance of suiting up next Thursday.According to Lynch, Bosa’s work has been happening behind the scenes.The plan, the general manager said Tuesday morning on KNBR, was for him to get on the field Wednesday.“Is it ideal? No,” Lynch said.

“But I will tell you … he’s been tracking very well.Now, always ramping it up to actual football is a difference, so that’s the next step.”Those are either the words of someone supremely confident in Bosa’s ability to be game-ready from Day 1, or somebody who already knows there’s not much hope of him playing Week 1.Because by the time the 49ers get off the practice field Wednesday, there will be just hours left before they head to the airport for an 8,000-mile flight to the other side of the world.They won’t have time to evaluate Bosa’s day, ...