49ers Defense Gets Injury Boost as Nick Bosa Nears Return
Defensive end Nick Bosa is nearing a return to practice, while linebacker Dre Greenlaw is set to rejoin the team, though the offense faces further setbacks.
The San Francisco 49ers defense is showing signs of improvement with key players nearing a return. Defensive end Nick Bosa, who has been sidelined since September 24 with a calf injury, is on the verge of rejoining the team. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that while Bosa would not practice on Wednesday, there is optimism he could be back on the field Thursday. Bosa was not placed on the injured reserve due to the team's already crowded roster.
Prior to his injury, Bosa, the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, had been a significant presence for the 49ers. Reports from NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco suggested Bosa was expected to be healthy for Week 7's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Adding to the defensive reinforcements, linebacker Dre Greenlaw is also set to return after being a full participant in practice. Greenlaw missed the 49ers' Monday game against the Commanders due to a suspension from the NFL for using his helmet to make contact with Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV in Week 5. His fellow linebacker, Fred Warner, humorously commented on Greenlaw's absence, referring to it as his "own little bye week."