(Cam Inman/Bay Area News Group)
Nick Bosa believes he is on track to return around training camp as the San Francisco 49ers star continues recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last season.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the injury, Bosa said his rehab process has gone smoothly and that he is being more patient this time around after learning from previous recoveries.
“I’m pretty far along,” Bosa said. “It’s going really well, and I plan on being ready.”
Bosa Taking a Different Approach to Recovery
Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during a Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals last September.
Unlike his previous ACL recovery in 2020, Bosa said he is resisting the urge to rush every milestone and instead focusing on building toward a full season.
“When I did it in ’20, it was just like balls to the wall,” Bosa explained. “Now, I’m taking it slow and I kind of have references to go back and look at.”
The injury reportedly involved no additional ligament or meniscus damage, which helped fuel optimism inside the organization that the former Defensive Player of the Year could return by late July or early August.
Mental Challenges Were Just as Difficult
While the physical recovery has progressed well, Bosa admitted the mental side of rehab proved difficult early in the process.
The timing made it especially frustrating after he felt he was playing at a high level before the injury. Through the first two games of the season, Bosa generated consistent pressure and delivered clutch sacks against the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints.
“It was rough early on,” Bosa said. “You start out wanting to quit, never play again and never put your body in that position again. Then slowly you realize that you love this game and you want to get back to it.”
San Francisco’s defense struggled to replace his production after the injury, finishing last in the NFL with only 20 sacks.
49ers Dealing With Multiple Defensive Injuries
Bosa is not the only key defensive lineman recovering from injury this offseason.
First-round rookie Mykel Williams is rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in college, while defensive end Keion White continues recovering from a gunshot wound to his ankle.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said several injured players could be ready around training camp, though timelines remain fluid.
Meanwhile, speculation about a potential reunion with free-agent edge rusher Joey Bosa does not appear close to becoming reality.
“I think he’s working on his golf game,” Nick Bosa joked. “I don’t think he’s thinking too much about football.”
More NFL: Von Miller Pushes for Broncos Reunion Ahead of 2026 Season
