San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa Out for Season with ACL Tear

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San Francisco 49ers’ star defensive end Nick Bosa has suffered a serious knee injury and will miss the rest of the NFL season. Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The injury happened in the first half, and he did not return to the field. After the injury, he gave a thumbs-down to a fan, showing his frustration. Initial tests did not reveal a torn ACL, but Bosa himself feared the worst at that moment, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.

Follow-up tests on Monday confirmed that Bosa’s ACL was torn, officially ending his season. Shanahan said that Bosa was obviously disappointed but strong enough to face this challenge. He added that it is especially tough for Bosa, given the strong season he was having. The coach also noted that other ligaments and the meniscus in his knee are not damaged, which is a positive sign for his rehabilitation. Shanahan described the injury as “as clean as it gets” for an ACL tear, meaning it is easier to repair than more complicated injuries.

This is the second time Bosa has had a season-ending ACL tear. He previously tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2020 season, which also ended his season early. Before that, he had consistently been one of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL. Since being drafted second overall in 2019, he has recorded at least nine sacks in every healthy season, showing his consistency and impact on defense.

Shanahan emphasized how difficult it is to replace a player like Bosa. He explained that losing a key player means everyone else on the team has to step up. The coach said that the team will face this challenge together, and players will need to improve collectively.

Bosa’s career achievements are impressive. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in all five of his healthy seasons and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, leading the league with 18.5 sacks. Overall, Bosa has 74.5 total sacks in regular season and playoff games since 2019, ranking fourth in the NFL, and he leads all players with 280 total pressures.

The injury is a major setback for the 49ers’ young defense, which has been relying on Bosa to anchor the line. With him out, the team will turn to rookies Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West, as well as veterans Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos, to fill the gap. Williams, one of the rookies, said after the game that the defensive line must now step up because Bosa carried a heavy load for the team.

Despite losing key players to injury, the 49ers have had a strong start to the season, winning their first three games. Other injured players include tight end George Kittle, on injured reserve after a hamstring injury in Week 1; quarterback Brock Purdy, who missed two games due to a toe injury; receiver Jauan Jennings, who missed Sunday’s game with shoulder and ankle issues; and receiver Brandon Aiyuk, recovering from ACL surgery, who remains on the physically unable to perform list.

Bosa’s absence will test the team’s depth and defensive strength, but the 49ers remain hopeful that other players will rise to the challenge. Fans and teammates will also be hoping for Bosa’s full recovery, as his leadership and skill have made him one of the top defensive stars in the NFL. Even though he is out for the season, Bosa’s resilience and talent suggest that he can return stronger and continue to be a dominant force for the 49ers in future seasons.

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers, ACL injury, NFL, defensive end