How Nick Bosa’s untimely injury presents 49ers with a familiar next-man-up plan

The 49ers received devastating news on Monday morning. Defensive end Nick Bosa, who left Sunday’s 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals with a right knee injury and did not return, suffered a season-ending torn ACL, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday, citing sources. Tests today showed that 49ers Pro Bowl DE Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending torn ACL during Sunday’s win over Arizona, sources tell ESPN. It’s a clean tear, but Bosa now will need season-ending surgery. pic.twitter.com/f6xdHY0iVS — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2025 Bosa left the game in the first quarter and immediately went to the blue medical tent, where he eventually reappeared and gave a thumbs-down sign, which was an early indication that the injury could be serious. Bosa is questionable to return : @NFLonFOX https://t.co/iM7OL3xKgq pic.twitter.com/bqf6ub0ucQ — 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 21, 2025 San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan stated after the game that the team was hopeful it was not an ACL injury for Bosa after the initial assessment on the sideline, but later clarified that it still was a concern heading...