Stock up, stock down heading into 49ers vs. Steelers

Week 1 is finally upon us, as the San Francisco 49ers are preparing to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, with the team scheduled to practice Wednesday and Thursday before flying out on Friday.

Whose stock is trending up and down heading into Week 1 for the 49ers?

STOCK UP: LB Dre Greenlaw

Over the past few weeks, linebacker Dre Greenlaw has dealt with a hamstring injury, but finally returned to practice during Monday's optional session before declaring that he's "ready to go" ahead of Week 1, seemingly indicating he'll suit up for the 49ers on Sunday.

The 49ers need Greenlaw more in 2023, given the loss of Azeez Al-Shaair, and having him present to set the tone in Week 1 could be vital for the defense, especially with Oren Burks sitting out Monday with a knee injury of his own.

Coming off a strong 2022 season, Greenlaw seems ready to build off a career year and start fresh in 2023.

STOCK DOWN: DE Nick Bosa

It's obvious: Nick Bosa's absence is not a good thing for the 49ers.

With the clock dwindling and the 49ers' practicing Wednesday, Bosa's availability for Week 1 becomes in serious doubt if a deal isn't reached within the next 24 hours.

Now, Bosa's contract situation shouldn't solely be placed on the player; every elite talent deserves to get paid what they're worth, and the 49ers need to reach that price.

But, if Bosa doesn't play in Week 1, their defensive end unit, which already lacks depth, takes a huge hit, as Clelin Ferrell and Drake Jackson would be the team's starters.

In a tough game on the road, the 49ers need every advantage they can get, and they'll surely regret missing Bosa if a loss kicks off their season on Sunday.

STOCK UP: QB Brock Purdy

Still fully recovering from a torn UCL injury sustained in last year's NFC Championship game, quarterback Brock Purdy is ready for Week 1.

But, following the preseason, Purdy's rep count was cut in half, as head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed that the plan was to limit his throwing to prepare him for the season.

So, why does Purdy make the "stock up" list ahead of Week 1?

Well, given the significant layoff for Purdy, as well as a tough Steelers defense in Week 1, there would certainly be questions if Purdy struggled, given the 49ers' handling of the quarterback situation this offseason.

However, given the fact that Trey Lance is no longer on the team, there isn't a reason for Purdy to feel any external pressure from the quarterback room for job security, as the 49ers moved on from the other developmental option they believed in previously.

That can alleviate some of the concerns Purdy may face early, allowing him to go through potential growing pains as he gets back to his former shell following the injury.

STOCK DOWN: TE George Kittle

For the second consecutive season, George Kittle is battling a groin injury that could sideline him for the first week of the season.

Given his injury history, Kittle's health has to be monitored, especially to begin the season, which has now been a recurring issue for the tight end.

Kittle's health has been his lone deterrent throughout his exciting NFL career, and he's not getting any younger.

For Purdy and his return, the hope would be to have Kittle in Week 1, but overall, it's not a good sign to see Kittle consistently battling lower-boy injuries, especially recurring issues.

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