Nick Bosa’s return is starting to come into focus for the 49ers.
The star edge rusher is reportedly aiming to be back against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 8, which would give San Francisco a lift coming out of its bye week. CBS Sports’ Mike Zenitz reported there is a high level of optimism that Bosa will be ready to return to game action against Las Vegas.
Bosa has been out since Sept. 20 with a calf injury, but this latest update points to a comeback that is moving closer. The 49ers have plenty of reasons to keep a close eye on his recovery, especially with championship aspirations shaping the bigger picture around the season.
His absence has created only a small challenge for the defense, but getting him back healthy would restore a major part of San Francisco’s defensive identity. That makes the next few weeks especially important as the team watches how his progress develops.
Shanahan said he had a chance to play against the Washington Commanders on Monday, but now, it seems that waiting is the move.
The matchup on Nov. 8 could also be a favorable one for Bosa’s return. The Raiders started 3-0, but have lost three straight games to fall back to .500.
Their offense is an intriguing one to face, and Bosa is going to love the matchup regardless of who is at quarterback. By Nov. 8, rookie Fernando Mendoza may be under center over Kirk Cousins.
It all depends on how these next three weeks pan out.
San Francisco, meanwhile, has looked every bit like the top team in the NFC so far. The 49ers got the job done in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams and have come back to America and practically dominated every opponent. Considering all the injuries, it’s hard to imagine what this team would look like without Bosa in the mix.
In Other News...
49ers Pass Rush Looks Different Even Without Key Edge Rushers
San Franciscos pass rush has been one of the clearest changes on the roster through the first six weeks, and the production has come even while the defense has been missing key edge help at times. The 49ers have consistently found pressure in ways they simply did not a year ago, with the front looking deeper, more varied and more disruptive than it did last season.
John Lynch pointed to a broader mix of reasons for the surge, from Raheem Morris influence on the defense to Chris Kiffins work with the line and the impact of added bodies up front. Osa Odighizuwa and Keion White have been part of that shift, while rookies Gracen Halton and Romello Height have also been pulled into the rotation as the 49ers have tried to keep the rush fresh despite injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykell Williams. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Suddenly Have Real Freedom To Go All In
A strong start has left the 49ers in an enviable spot heading into the trade deadline, with the kind of flexibility that can change the shape of a season in a hurry. Between a healthy amount of salary-cap room and a roster built around veterans who are not getting any younger, San Francisco has every reason to treat this moment like a real window, not a passing opportunity.
What makes the situation even more interesting is how much draft capital the 49ers still have available to work with, which gives them room to chase help without stripping away the future. No move has surfaced yet, but that combination of urgency, resources and ambition is exactly why San Francisco is expected to be active if the right deal comes along. [Read more 🡒]
49ers May Have One Edge In A Tough Michael Penix Matchup
Raheem Morris brings an unusual layer to the 49ers upcoming matchup with the Falcons, and it could matter more than usual for San Franciscos defensive prep. With a close view of Atlanta from his time there, Morris has a built-in familiarity with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the way the Falcons have talked about developing him since he came back healthy.
Morris has been a believer in Penix for a while, and his perspective on the young quarterbacks traits and growth gives the 49ers a useful outside lens on a difficult test. Penix has looked sharper since returning, and San Francisco will have to sort through what is real progress, what is scheme-driven and where the biggest stress points might be when the game gets moving. [Read more 🡒]