Niners fans have to be thinking, ‘Not again.’
Early in the third quarter of Sunday’s 37-15 win against the Panthers, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was ruled out with groin tightness. After the game, coach Kyle Shanahan said Bosa started feeling tightness in the area in the second quarter and that he'll undergo further testing this week.
The 49ers have been going through a gauntlet of high-profile injuries this season, as quarterback Trey Lance (ankle/leg) has been ruled out for the season, while tackle Trent Williams (high ankle sprain) and running back Elijah Mitchell (MCL sprain) will miss several weeks.
Bosa wasn't the only one to get hurt, as cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is being evaluated for a torn ACL, Jimmie Ward broke his hand and kicker Robbie Gould is dealing with a left knee issue.
Losing Bosa for any period of time would be a huge blow for the 49ers, as he entered the Week 5 action leading the NFL with six sacks. Before exiting, Bosa recorded just one tackle and was held without a sack for the first time in a game this season.
Bosa got a full offseason under his belt this summer after overcoming his 2020 ACL injury and putting together a breakout campaign in 2021. This year, he has emerged as a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year after after dominating on the edge and pressuring the quarterback more than any other player in the league.
Last week, Bosa was asked if he felt like everything was coming together for him in his fourth NFL season.
“I think I’m still leaving a few out there,” Bosa said. “But one game at a time. When you have guys around you who are producing, it’s a lot easier on you.”
