49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said he is making progress recovering from a torn ACL and could be back for the start of training camp or soon after, barring any setbacks.
49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said he is making progress recovering from a torn ACL and could be back for the start of training camp or soon after, barring any setbacks.
Nick WagonerMay 28, 2026, 07:11 PM ETCloseNick Wagoner is an NFL reporter at ESPN. Nick has covered the San Francisco 49ers since 2016, having previously covered the St. Louis Rams for 12 years, including three years (2013 to 2015) at ESPN. In over a decade with the company, Nick has led ESPN's coverage of the Niners' 2019 and 2023 Super Bowl run, Colin Kaepernick's protest, the Rams making Michael Sam the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL, Sam's subsequent pursuit of a roster spot and the team's relocation and stadium saga.
Nick WagonerMay 28, 2026, 07:11 PM ET
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- As he continues to recover from a torn ACL in his right knee, defensive end Nick Bosa isn't fully participating in the San Francisco 49ers' organized team activities this week.
Bosa, speaking to the Bay Area media on Thursday for the first time since the injury, said he's making progress and it's realistic to think he could be back for the start of training camp or soon after, barring any setbacks.
"I'm pretty far along," Bosa said. "[I'm] out on the field doing a lot of stuff, trying to just take it slow because I tend to push things quicker. I got injured pretty early last year, so there's plenty of time for me to really kind of lay the groundwork to be ready for a long season. It's going really well and I plan on being ready."
While Bosa isn't participating in the on-field practice sessions, he has been doing his rehab and recovery in Santa Clara. Bosa suffered the injury in a Sept. 21 win against the Arizona Cardinals when he was engaged with tackle Kelvin Beachum and knocked to the ground by guard Evan Brown.
Bosa's knee bent awkwardly as he went down and he then slowly walked to the sideline. Bosa attempted to loosen the knee up but knew something was wrong with coach Kyle Shanahan officially confirming the injury the following day.
Because Bosa suffered the injury early in the season and had no other ligament or meniscus damage - Shanahan called the tear "as clean as it gets" - the Niners have always eyed a late July or early August return for him.
For now, Bosa said he's doing some work on the side as his teammates go through OTAs and that his body "feels pretty darn good," noting this is the best his fingers have felt in 20 years.
Averytin News NFL update.