San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa says he is on track for 2021 season opener
SANTA CLARA, Calif .– If everything goes according to plan by Sept. 12, defensive Nick Bosa will be on the field ready to play the Detroit Lions in the San Francisco 49ers’ season opener.
Bosa, who spoke to the Bay Area media for the first time since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee last September, left little doubt on Thursday that, barring any unforeseen setbacks, he will be ready for the 2021 season to start.
“I looked at the schedule but I knew when it was an early injury [last year], for the most part, I’d probably be ready to go for week 1, “Bosa said.” And everything is tending to be right now. So I hope to step it up over time and be ready to give all I have in Week 1. “
In the first days of the Niners training camp, Bosa worked in individual exercises, but kept out of one-on-one rush and team exercises. He arrived at camp and weighed around 260 pounds compared to the 263-265 he’d played in in 2019 in hopes that he could add a bit more speed on his return. He said he was moving “better than I’ve ever done”.
Bosa won the 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award after posting 47 tackles, nine sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 60 quarterback pressures. A promising start to 2020 was derailed by the knee injury against the New York Jets in Week 2 and resulted in a long recovery process away from his team.
After knee surgery, Bosa spent much of his time with brother Joey, family, and girlfriend in Southern California and at home in Florida. The arduous rehabilitation and the lack of football made Bosa’s mind wander at times.
“My thoughts went to some dark places, especially when football is a really big part of your life,” said Bosa. “And now you just value your family more.”
Bosa also said he was grappling with the decision on whether to have the COVID-19 vaccination. He came to his media meeting on Thursday wearing a mask and is attending the NFL’s required protocols for unvaccinated players.
“I’m evaluating everything right now,” said Bosa. “I haven’t made a decision yet. But follow the logs and see where it goes.”
When Bosa will take part in the full training sessions, there is still no fixed schedule. But he’s impressed teammates and coaches with where he’s at in the process.
“Nick takes care of himself and is better than anyone I have ever met,” said coach Kyle Shanahan. “The guy has a one-pronged mind and it’s great. So you knew he’d come in great. And now the time has come, you need to know how much time has passed since the injury. He moves and looks like that Being a player is not a problem. It’s all about building him up properly. … We take our time for him and we’re smart. “
