All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa has missed back-to-back practices ahead of the San Francisco 49ers' Week 3 home showdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
And it's created something of a kerfuffle.
Listed on the Niners' injury report with knee and calf injuries, Bosa's absence was a bit of a surprise after he was able to play for the first two games of the season, seemingly without issue. But, in light of last year's ACL tear—his second such injury since going pro in 2019—it's fair to wonder if the defensive end's injury risk has gotten far too high.
The only thing more difficult than worrying about Bosa's injury and availability might be the speculation (and confusion) about the injury's severity.
49ers fans don't want disagreement over Nick Bosa's injury question
According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan, there is some worry Bosa could have a serious injury that might cause him to miss multiple weeks, potentially the rest of the season.
The Bay Area's 95.7 The Game ran with it, almost as if it was a report that was merely waiting to be corroborated by the Niners themselves.
Yet Chan didn't wait to clap back at the radio station, reminding them Bosa "could" be dealing with a serious injury, and she also admitted she "could be wrong:"
I said “COULD HAVE” have due to his practice status changing and other factors.
— Jennifer Lee Chan -all platforms: @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) September 25, 2026
I also said I COULD be wrong.
Let’s not pick and choose words. https://t.co/sd5QWJ3BHJ
In light of San Francisco's never-ending injury problems, confusion over Bosa is certainly the last thing 49ers fans want to hear.
At least ESPN's Adam Schefter helped clear the air.
Adam Schefter says Nick Bosa will miss several weeks with calf injury
Certainly, hearing about the Bosa development prompted Schefter to reach out to his contacts with the Niners organization.
And he subsequently found out and reported how Bosa suffered a calf injury in practice, and that'll cause him to miss the next "few weeks," leaving San Francisco to determine whether or not placement on injured reserve is necessary:
Five-time Pro-Bowl DE Nick Bosa pulled his calf during Thursday’s practice and now is expected to miss “a few weeks”, including Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals, sources tell me and @RapSheet. The team is figuring out whether or not Bosa needs to be placed on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/eQIb7JBKut
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2026
It's a bad development for a 49ers team regardless. Bosa remains their best pass-rusher by a wide margin, and the Niners have done awfully little in recent years to identify a quality No. 2 to complement him.
If anything, the news gives coordinator Raheem Morris an extra shot to prove he can scheme pressure despite his best edge rusher being absent.
At least fans would entertain hearing about that.
Add us as a preferred source on Google