Nick Bosa’s return from last season’s ACL injury has been interrupted again. The San Francisco 49ers defensive end suffered a calf injury during Thursday’s practice and was ruled out for Sunday’s Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Bosa had played the first two games of the season after missing most of 2025 with a torn ACL. He recorded seven tackles across those games while working his way back from the knee injury.
The 49ers now have a better idea of how long they will be without their star pass rusher, although his exact return timeline is still to be determined.
Nick Bosa Could Return Before Week 7
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Bosa is expected to miss a few weeks, according to ESPN’s Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Friday that Bosa should return this season, while acknowledging that he could be out for some time.
San Francisco made an important decision Sunday by not placing Bosa on injured reserve, according to Schefter. That means he will not be subject to the mandatory four-game absence that comes with an IR designation.
Bosa therefore remains eligible to return before Week 7, although his recovery will determine when he can actually play.
What Happened to Nick Bosa?
Bosa suffered the calf injury while warming up before Thursday’s walkthrough. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and was officially ruled out against Arizona.
The injury comes nearly one year after Bosa tore his right ACL against the Cardinals in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season. He returned for Week 1 this year and played 70 snaps through his first two games as the 49ers managed his workload.
San Francisco is already dealing with major defensive-line injuries, including Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Sam Okuayinonu and Romello Height. Bosa’s absence leaves the 49ers even thinner up front.
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