49ers injury report vs. Buccaneers: Nick Bosa in danger of missing game

The 49ers would ideally like to have their best pass-rusher, Nick Bosa, square off against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, but Bosa is questionable for Sunday.

The San Francisco 49ers’ biggest injury news of the week heading into their Week 14 matchup against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, of course, was quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffering a serious foot injury, which at best, keeps him out until the middle of the playoffs.

That means rookie signal-caller Brock Purdy, not Garoppolo, will be tasked with squaring off against Bucs quarterback Tom Brady, making his return to play against his boyhood team for only the second time in his career in Northern California.

A Garoppolo-Brady matchup would have been ideal, but it’s not meant to be.

And Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa, whom Brady teased earlier in the week with a request to “be nice,” might not be meant to be on the field either.

Bosa is dealing with a hamstring issue and missed all three days of practice because of it, which would certainly hinder San Francisco’s No. 1-ranked defense in its attempts to ensure Brady and a scuffling Tampa Bay offense don’t suddenly find some rhythm at Levi’s Stadium.

Nick Bosa a notable name on 49ers injury report vs. Buccaneers

Garoppolo, whom the 49ers won’t place on injured reserve unless they have to, is officially ruled out for the game, as is safety Tarvarius Moore (knee) and defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway (pectoral), according to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s post-Friday practice report.

Ridgeway is expected to miss six to eight weeks, which would put him on a similar trajectory as Garoppolo, assuming the best-case scenario.

Bosa, meanwhile, is listed as questionable.

Read More: NFL experts predict Brock Purdy to beat Tom Brady, Bucs in Week 14

The NFL’s leading sack-getter with 14.5 could potentially threaten the single-season record, although he’s already missed one game this season and has just five more before the playoffs begin.

However, with the Niners focused more on retaining the NFC West lead and ensuring the highest possible seeding in the playoff picture, preventing Bosa from increased injury is certainly more advisable.

One can still hope he plays, though.

The Niners and Bucs kick off on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4:25 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium.