49ers downplay Nick Bosa’s latest injury setback

The 49ers are trying to keep Nick Bosa’s latest knee issue from becoming a reason for alarm.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Tuesday that Bosa is considered week-to-week because of tendinitis in his surgically repaired right knee. The star pass rusher has missed practice because of the soreness.

“Pretty normal thing with ACLs,” Shanahan said, according to Cam Inman. “Gotta be smart and be week-to-week. No concerns about it being more than that.”

Shanahan said the issue occurs in approximately 90 percent of the team’s ACL recoveries, presenting Bosa’s absence as routine rehabilitation rather than evidence of structural damage.

That explanation offers reassurance, but the week-to-week designation still represents a setback in Bosa’s comeback.

Bosa appeared in only three games last season before tearing his right ACL against the Arizona Cardinals. The injury ended his season in September and forced him to miss San Francisco’s final 14 games.

It was the third ACL tear of his football career. Bosa previously injured the same knee in high school before tearing the ACL in his left knee during the 2020 season. That history ensures any problem involving his right knee will receive heightened scrutiny, regardless of the team’s confidence.

The timing is also notable because Bosa recently expressed optimism that he could return better than before.

He told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer that his surgeon cleaned up chronic tendinitis remaining from his high school injury while repairing the ACL. Bosa believed the procedure, combined with carrying less mass in his legs, could improve his speed and movement.

San Francisco has time to remain cautious before its Sept. 10 opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. Bosa does not need preseason snaps nearly as much as he needs a stable knee. The 49ers defense badly needs a healthy Bosa too.

The 49ers may be downplaying the setback. Until Bosa is back on the field, however, they cannot completely dismiss it.

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