Nick Bosa returns to practice, confident for 49ers opener

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa returned to practice on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, and expressed confidence that he will play in the team's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The game is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, in Melbourne, Australia. Bosa, an All-Pro pass rusher, had been sidelined for weeks due to tendinitis in his surgically repaired right knee, which he injured in September 2025. Bosa, who turns 29 in October, last practiced with his teammates on August 3. He was a full participant in Wednesday's session, wearing a soft black brace on his knee. When asked about his status for Week 1, Bosa said, "After today, yeah. It was pretty good." He added that he felt great and was encouraged by his first practice back, though he acknowledged that his return is on an aggressive timeline. Most ACL recoveries take 12 to 18 months, but Bosa is attempting to come back in 11 months. This is his second ACL surgery on the same knee, having previously undergone the procedure in 2020. The 49ers are scheduled to depart for Melbourne on Wednesday night, with a flight of approximately 16 hours arriving Friday morning.