Nick Bosa Returns to Full Practice for First Time Since Week 3 ACL Tear

49ers defensive end Nick Bosa participated in team drills Wednesday, marking his first full session since his right ACL injury last season.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa participated in a full practice on Wednesday, marking his first complete session since tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament in Week 3 of the previous season. Bosa engaged in both individual drills and team periods during the workout, which serves as a major milestone ahead of the September 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. The 49ers are looking to bolster a pass rush that finished last in the NFL with only 20 sacks in 2025, a season where Bosa was limited to just two full games.

Following the practice, Bosa stated he "felt great" and described his progress as "very encouraging." While he did not officially guarantee his availability for the Week 1 matchup, he noted that his performance on Wednesday was a positive indicator for his status. The defensive end explained that participating in team drills allowed him to play without a "governor," forcing his body to respond to football movements without the reservations or compensation typically found in individual rehab work.

Overcoming Knee Tendinitis and Rehab Setbacks

Bosa’s path to the field has involved several complications, including a recent bout with knee tendinitis. Although he avoided the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp in July, a setback involving his patella tendon forced the team to scale back his activity. Bosa admitted he originally ramped up his football-specific training too quickly approximately one month ago, leading to the soreness that required a period of rest.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Monday that Bosa has largely moved past these inflammatory issues. The team has developed a specific ramp-up plan to ensure the defensive end is available for the flight to Australia. Bosa credited his ability to finally "rip the Band-Aid off" during Wednesday's session to the strength and confidence he built during the closing stages of his rehabilitation process.

Logistics for the Melbourne Season Opener

The next phase of Bosa's recovery involves managing a 16-hour flight to Melbourne, which the team is scheduled to board Wednesday night. To maintain his knee health during the long journey, Bosa plans to utilize a "Game Ready" machine, which provides simultaneous ice and compression. His travel regimen also includes using a foam roller, stretching, and icing his knees to prevent stiffness before the team begins its international practice schedule.

Once in Australia, the 49ers have four practices scheduled for Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Bosa indicated that completing a full week of practice in Melbourne will be the final step in his return to play. The NFL will require the 49ers to submit their first official injury report of the year following the conclusion of Monday’s practice session.

Additional 49ers Injury Updates

Bosa was not the only starter to rejoin the lineup on Wednesday. Left tackle Trent Williams noted that Bosa’s presence and "fresh legs" provided a visible energy boost to the roster during the session. The 49ers also welcomed back wide receiver Mike Evans, who had been sidelined with an adductor injury, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who is recovering from a broken finger.

Cornerback Ephesians Prysock returned to the field following a shoulder injury, and tight end George Kittle participated in another session as he manages an Achilles issue. Kittle is confirmed to be traveling with the team to Australia and remains a candidate to play in the Week 1 game against the Rams. Bosa expressed that while he had avoided thinking too far into the future to manage his anxiety, he expects to be excited once he completes the upcoming week of preparation.