Nick Bosa is key for 49ers to defeat Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Will Nick Bosa play vs. Packers?

The 49ers’ coaching staff is rarely forthcoming with accurate injury-related information during press conferences, and Nick Bosa’s situation is no exception. Although the phrase “pretty optimistic” continues to be thrown around in the media, Kyle Shanahan offered little regarding Bosa’s injury during Monday’s press conference:

"I didn’t personally get a chance to talk to him. I talked to a number of guys who did and our trainers. You know how those go, but we’re being pretty optimistic with it. I’ve seen that a few times and he seems like he’s in a pretty good spot right now, but I’m not going to be the one who judges that."

On Tuesday, Shanahan stated Bosa would not practice because he, “is still in the protocol,” and the head coach wasn’t questioned further.

On Wednesday, it was Ryans’ turn to field questions from the media. He received just one question from an unknown reporter about Bosa, which he totally avoided:

"Reporter: I have two questions. One is about one person on your defense and that’s DL Nick Bosa. I’m wondering what he’s been able to do with you guys this week, while he is in the protocol… Ryans: Yeah, the first question with Nick, he’s come along well going through the NFL protocol there and hopefully he’ll be fine by the end of the week. Definitely need him out there. So hopefully he’ll be fine by the end of the week."

Perhaps we have beat writer Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area to thank for acquiring the most useful piece of information about Bosa’s concussion.

Sunday night, Chan reported that Bosa’s father claimed his son was doing fine despite missing the second half of the game in Dallas:

After missing Tuesday’s practice, Bosa was able to participate on Wednesday in a limited fashion, indicating Bosa is likely progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol as expected.

Concussions are always tricky, but barring any setbacks, if Bosa is able to practice on Thursday — the team’s final practice of the short week — he should be on track to suit up for the 49ers on Saturday in Green Bay.