Nick Bosa Ruled Out Against Falcons After Overly Optimistic Return Prediction
The 49ers star edge rusher will miss at least one more game due to a calf strain, contrary to his earlier confident assessment.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa has been ruled out of the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a calf strain, a decision that contradicts his previous assertion that he would “definitely” return for the matchup. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Friday that Bosa’s optimism had been misplaced, indicating that the player himself was surprised by the setback.
“I just think he was a little too optimistic,” Shanahan said. “Especially for Bosa because he’s pretty accurate. He doesn’t say stuff like that unless it’s accurate. I just think it surprised him.”
Bosa had returned from ACL surgery to play in the 49ers' first two games, recording seven tackles but no sacks. However, he appeared on the injury report before the Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals after straining his calf during warm-ups on September 24. He has not practiced since.
Two weeks prior to Shanahan's announcement, Bosa had expressed confidence in his recovery, stating he was “feeling better and better” and that it was “pretty darn likely” he would be ready for the 49ers' game against the Commanders.
The earliest the 49ers can now anticipate Bosa's return is Week 9, following their upcoming bye week. Shanahan noted that Bosa experienced soreness the day after his confident declaration, which he described as “not a great sign,” particularly with a game on turf scheduled.
Despite the absence of their star pass rusher, the 49ers' defense has performed well. According to Shanahan, the team has managed to remain a top-five defense through Week 7, even with numerous injuries to the defensive line. Rookies Romello Height and Gracen Halton, veteran additions Osa Odighizuwa and Keion White, and practice squad players Sebastian Valdez and Ogbo Okoronkwo, along with Fred Warner, have all contributed to quarterback hits.
Okoronkwo was released on Friday to make room on the roster for receiver Christian Kirk, but the 49ers are expected to re-sign him to the practice squad and potentially elevate him to the active roster for Sunday's game.