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The San Francisco 49ers are still a few months away until the start of the 2026 NFL season. However, the Niners could have two players potentially ready for Week 1, while a third player might not be too far away once the new season gets underway.

49ers tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles in the Jan. 11, 2026, wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Defensive end Nick Bosa is working back from successful surgery to repair a torn right ACL suffered in Week 3 of the 2025 season, and defensive end Mykel Williams’ 2025 season ended in Week 9 after he tore the ACL and lateral meniscus in his right knee.

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco shared the latest on where the Niners feel all three players are in their injury recovery

“The 49ers sound very confident that Nick Bosa will be available for Week 1, and there is also optimism that George Kittle will be ready for the opener following his Achilles tear,” Maiocco said in an April 12 video on his YouTube channel .

“There is belief that, even if Mike Williams is not ready for Week 1, the injury should not keep him out long term. He could begin the season on the PUP list, which would potentially set up a return around Week 5. That is the type of roster juggling that takes place.”

It will be interesting to see if the Niners have their two star players right from the start of the season, as the 49ers have put a lot of effort into building a team that can contend this 2026 campaign.

Will the Niners Pursue Joey Bosa to Bolster Pass Rush?

Speaking of Bosa, there’s speculation that the 49ers could be a landing spot for his older brother, Joey Bosa. The older Bosa spent last season with the Buffalo Bills , has emerged as a potential target. In 2025, Bosa earned a 79.3 overall PFF grade , ranking 17th among 115 qualified edge defenders.

He particularly stood out as a pass rusher, posting an 88.7 grade in that area, while his run-defense grade lagged at 54.6. Over the season, Bosa generated 47 pressures, including five sacks, 12 hits, and 30 hurries. He also contributed 22 solo tackles and forced five fumbles.

Nonetheless, recently, 49ers general manager John Lynch put cold water on that speculation.

“I know that would make Mama Bosa happy, but I don’t know if we can afford him,” Lynch said (h/t David Lombardi of the SF Standard ).

49ers Insider Gives Update on Joey Bosa

However, David Lombardi, who covers the 49ers for the San Francisco Standard, speculates whether the Niners could wait after the draft to see whether they see eye to eye with Bosa on his asking price.

“There is a nonzero chance the 49ers exit the draft without picking up a defensive lineman projected to make the 53‑man roster, leaving holes in their rotation,” Lombardi said on April 4 on his YouTube channel . “If that happens, they might turn their attention back to free agency with a different price point in mind.

“Right now, they don’t see eye to eye with Joey Bosa, but after the draft, when signings don’t count against the compensatory formula, the 49ers could potentially reach an agreement with someone like Bosa.”

Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo