Bosa is dealing with an ankle injury he sustained during an August 7 practice. Head coach Kyle Shanahan immediately feared the worst — that the injury might be season-ending. However, it wasn't as bad as it first looked, and the timeframe for his return is weeks, not months.
That was great news because Bosa is expected to be a big part of the defense in his first NFL season. He is one of two players brought in this offseason to upgrade the unit's pass rush. The other, of course, is veteran pass rusher Dee Ford.
Bosa's practices before his injury created excitement for the future of the young defensive star. General manager John Lynch recently called him a "polished football player," which is high praise for a rookie. Bosa has quickly earned the respect of teammates like tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey, who are tasked with blocking him during practices, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who lines up with him along the defensive front.
Buckner recently sat down with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network during the "RapSheet and Friends" podcast and discussed the rookie pass rusher.
"I was just expecting a well-polished guy coming out of college, and he was just that coming into camp," Buckner told Rapoport. "He's been dominating every day at his position. Obviously, he's still young, and (has) things to work on, but he's NFL-ready, for sure. He's been doing some really great things on the D-line, helping us out on the outside. Seeing him every day working, it's exciting to see."
Another topic of discussion was Buckner's (hopefully) impending contract extension. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle is entering his fourth NFL season and is under contract through the 2020 season thanks to the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Still, the 49ers would like to make sure Buckner remains with the team for the foreseeable future and have been trying to work out an extension for the 25-year-old.
Buckner, however, is leaving the contract talk in the hands of his agents. Instead, he remains focused on the upcoming season.
"It's honestly things for my agents to figure out," Buckner said. "I'm really just focused on the year, to be honest. As the year goes on, maybe there will be talking throughout the season, but I really see things happening towards the end of the season, really for contract extensions and stuff like that. I'm just really focused on the season and taking it one day at a time."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Buckner below. It begins at about the 48:20 mark.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL Scouting Combine: 49ers evaluating tight end and cornerback prospects
The San Francisco 49ers have met with several tight end prospects this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Among those who confirmed speaking with team representatives are: TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson TE CJ Dippre, Alabama TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling... -
John Lynch reveals where the 49ers stand on George Kittle's contract
George Kittle is eager to be a Niner for life, and the San Francisco 49ers share that sentiment. Earlier this month, the All-Pro tight end revealed that he believes discussions about a potential contract extension between the team and his agent have occurred. "Waiting on... -
John Lynch: 49ers have started contract talks with Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday and was quickly asked about contract negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy is eligible for his first contract extension after proving to be one... -
49ers' dream pass rush? Browns stand firm on Myles Garrett; Chargers address Joey Bosa
Myles Garrett wants a change of scenery in 2025. The star defensive end has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, where he has spent his entire eight-year NFL career. However, the Browns remain firm in their stance, making it clear on Tuesday that they have no intention...