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Why 49ers would be wise to hold Nick Bosa back one more week

The San Francisco 49ers face a strategic decision after Nick Bosa’s calf strain kept him out since Week 2, with his return now looking increasingly unlikely for Monday night’s game against the Washington Commanders. Despite Bosa’s earlier optimism about playing, he has missed two straight practice sessions and hasn’t been spotted warming up, signaling a delay.

The 49ers, however, have little urgency to rush his return, as their 5-0 start has them firmly atop the NFC West. Injuries have plagued the roster—including Mike Evans (Achilles soreness), Kyle Juszczyk (knee), Gracen Halton (quad), Colton McKivitz (illness), and Carver Willis (toe)—yet the team has managed to dominate without their star edge rusher.

Even if they lost their next two games, they’d still enter their Week 8 bye leading the division at 5-2, thanks in part to Seattle’s overtime loss to the Rams, which left both teams three games back in losses. With Bosa not the only player dealing with lingering issues, coach Kyle Shanahan has the flexibility to prioritize long-term health over short-term results.

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