49ers defensive end Nick Bosa misses practice with calf, knee concerns

Four San Francisco 49ers veterans rested during Wednesday’s practice: defensive end Nick Bosa, running back Christian McCaffrey, offensive tackle Trent Williams and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Of those four, Bosa was the lone player who did not return to the practice field Thursday in Santa Clara.

Is it a cause for concern? Possibly.

On Wednesday’s official practice participation report, the 49ers listed Bosa status as: “Not injury related – resting player, Knee.” Of course, the 28-year-old tore his right ACL last season. It’s normal for a player with his injury history – Bosa has suffered three torn ACLs during his football career – to sit out the first practice of the week. The 49ers gave him the same treatment last week in the leadup to their Week 2 matchup with the Miami Dolphins. 

Here’s where things get strange. Bosa returned to the field last Thursday in a limited capacity. He was a full participant Friday. This time around, he was absent again on Thursday, and San Francisco handed down a new injury designation: “Knee, Calf.”

Bosa, who typically speaks to reporters on Wednesdays during the regular season, was not made available in the locker room. Nor was he on Thursday.

The extent of Bosa’s calf injury is currently unclear. As is the status of his knee.

Despite clearly working his way back into game shape, Bosa has been an impactful player. Among 49ers defensive linemen, he ranks second in pressures (six), trailing only defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, according to SūmerSports. Bosa’s five pressures during Week 2 led the team, and his 69 snaps through two weeks lead San Francisco’s edge rusher room. 

Bosa’s injury isn’t the only one to monitor. Wide receiver Mike Evans (hip) did not participate for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Evans did work off to the side during the portion of practice open to the media, running routes without pads.

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This article originally published at 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa misses practice with calf, knee concerns.