49ers practice in Melbourne without Nick Bosa, other injury notes

The San Francisco 49ers held their first practice of the week at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia, as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

The most notable absence was star pass rusher Nick Bosa, who returned to practice last week after an extended absence. The good news is that Bosa was seen suited up ahead of the unpadded practice, which suggests the 49ers are simply being cautious with their veteran defensive end.

Bosa is returning from the ACL injury that limited him to just three games last season. Although he was medically cleared at the start of training camp, Bosa experienced soreness and tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee, forcing him to miss several weeks of practice.

Last week, after his first practice back, Bosa was asked whether he was confident he would play against the Rams.

"After today, yeah. It was pretty good," Bosa responded.

The defensive end admitted that he may have ramped up his workload too quickly at the start of training camp.

"It kind of told me to back off," Bosa said. "I've just been trying to get it as strong and as confident in myself, as confident as I can, to where I could rip the Band-Aid off and go to team [drills] today. Because once you get into team, there's no reservations, there's no ... taking a little effort. There's no governor."

Last season's ACL injury was the second of Bosa's NFL career and his third overall. He is entering his eighth NFL season and has recorded 64.5 sacks over his career.

Christian McCaffrey doesn't participate in drills

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that running back Christian McCaffrey also did not participate in drills during the portion of practice open to the media. Reporters are required to leave before team drills begin. The 49ers are likely being cautious with McCaffrey as the regular season quickly approaches.

However, tight end George Kittle was participating, which could be a positive sign as he works toward playing in Week 1.

More positive news for the 49ers

According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, several 49ers players who have recently missed time were practicing during the portion of Monday's session open to the media.

Cornerback Renardo Green, wide receiver Jacob Cowing, and defensive linemen Romello Height and Gracen Halton were among those participating in the 49ers' first practice of the week.

Green had been dealing with a hamstring injury, while Cowing was recovering from a groin injury. Height and Halton were sidelined with ankle injuries.

Wide receiver Mike Evans, who had been dealing with an adductor injury, practiced with his teammates.

With the 49ers preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Melbourne, the participation of Bosa, McCaffrey, Kittle, and the other injured players will be worth monitoring throughout the week.

Mentioned in this article: Nick Bosa, Jacob Cowing, Mike Evans, Renardo Green, Gracen Halton, Romello Height, George Kittle, Vederian Lowe, Christian McCaffrey