While the Los Angeles Rams are keeping the status of defensive tackle Aaron Donald under wraps—though he is widely expected to play against the San Francisco 49ers—the 49ers aren't playing any games when it comes to the availability of their star pass rusher.
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris made it clear Tuesday morning (Monday night here in the United States) that 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa will suit up for the team's Week 1 showdown against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
"He's going out there," Morris told reporters ahead of practice. "Whatever you want to say, he's going. He'll be there. We're not hiding that."
Morris added, "Nick's a pro at everything he does, the ultimate pro. He's got some calming features to him that, really, he's able to communicate at a very high level, which I'm sure he's communicating with [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan]. Obviously, those guys will handle all those situations right now, but when you're talking about me anticipating him being out there, I definitely anticipate that because of who he is and what he's done, and how he's going about his process to get ready for this."
Bosa did not participate in the 49ers' first full practice of the week, but he has previously made it clear that he intends to be on the field with his teammates when the NFC West rivals clash at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"Bosa knows his body as well as anybody," Morris said. "He'll be prepared and ready to go as well as anybody ... Very high confidence level in where he's going to be."
The 28-year-old pass rusher is returning from an ACL injury that limited him to just three games last season. Bosa was medically cleared at the start of training camp but later suffered a setback when soreness and tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee sidelined him for an extended period.
Bosa's status has been a major storyline heading into the 49ers' season opener. His presence in Week 1 would provide a significant boost for San Francisco's defense.
The 49ers desperately need that boost after recording an NFL-low 20 sacks in 2025. Bosa's return could give San Francisco a much-needed difference-maker off the edge as it opens the season against a familiar NFC West rival.
Mentioned in this article: Nick Bosa
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