For the second season in a row, the San Francisco 49ers will be without All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa for an extended period of time.
After completing practice Wednesday, the 49ers revealed that Bosa sat out due to injury. Fans assumed he was resting since he’s a year removed from suffering a torn ACL. However, it was later announced that he’s nursing a calf strain.
According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, the latest injury to Bosa will cost him a few weeks. The 49ers might not place him on injured reserve though since they’re running out of IR spaces.
Ross Cameron-Imagn Images.
Even though Bosa’s injury isn’t expected to end his season, the 49ers have to consider having an uncomfortable conversation about his contract situation and his lack of durability.
Bosa is under contract through the 2028 season, but the 49ers could save $32.4 million in cap space if they make him a post-June 1 release next offseason.
If the 49ers are worried about Bosa’s durability, maybe they should consider moving on from him.
Not an easy decision for the 49ers.
Bosa, the 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year, is a special talent when he’s on the field. During the 2022 season, he earned Defensive Player of the Year for racking up 51 tackles, 48 QB hits and 18.5 sacks.
Overall, Bosa has 285 career tackles, 169 QB hits, 64.5 sacks and 13 forced fumbles. He’s without a doubt the best pass rusher the 49ers have.
Can the 49ers afford to pay a premium on Bosa when he misses so many games? Only their front office can answer that question.
