San Francisco 49ers: What’s the latest with defensive end Nick Bosa?

The San Francisco 49ers have already been bitten by the injury bug this summer which includes an injury to rookie first-round pick Nick Bosa.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ 2018 season was completely ravaged by injuries from the very start of the year. And first-round pick Nick Bosa has quietly gained a reputation of being injury-prone throughout his college career.

Thus, a potential injury to Bosa seemed almost inevitable at some point as it appears the football gods just won’t let the 49ers have nice things.

After suffering countless major injuries to the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo, Jerick McKinnon, and many others, the 49ers finished just 4-12 last season. The hope was that a healthy 49ers roster could make a run at the playoffs this season.

On top of that, offseason additions of Dee Ford, Kwon Alexander, and, of course, Bosa looked to be game-changers for a hopefully improved defensive unit.

But so far, not all of that is going to plan.

Bosa was taken off the field during Wednesday’s practice following an apparent ankle injury. Although initial reports indicated that it was only a mild ankle sprain, it appears the injury could be a bit more significant than expected.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported Bosa instead suffered a “significant” ankle sprain and will not be able to play in the preseason.

This is a major blow to a 49ers team that undoubtedly has high hopes for Bosa in his rookie season. And while the report doesn’t state that he will miss any regular-season time, that’s doesn’t mean it’s out of the question.

Ankle sprains could be very tricky and often take a long time to heal. While it’s purely speculation at this point, there’s a very good chance that this injury could linger all season as it’s done in the past with many other players.

And that would be an absolute shame given all of the injuries that this organization has had to overcome as of late.

On top of Bosa going down, other key players such as Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams, and the aforementioned Ford and McKinnon have all suffered injuries that will likely force them to miss time — at least in the preseason.

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And for a player like Bosa who has garnered an unfortunate reputation of being injury-prone, this isn’t exactly the development that would help shed that label.

Moreover, it’s never good for a player to miss significant action, but it’s even worse when it’s a rookie.

First-year players are generally trying to get caught up to speed with the NFL and could ill-afford to miss any playing time as it could hinder their development. And while Bosa is more pro-ready than most first-year players, that statement still stands.

Fortunately, the 49ers should have the depth to replace him on the defensive line for the time being. Someone like Solomon Thomas who has been pushed out of a starting role could slide back outside to the edge if need be.

More from San Francisco 49ers

• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
• 49ers sign TE Daniel Helm off the Buccaneers practice squad
• 49ers: Jordan Reed could miss up to two months, will be placed on IR

Fifth-year pro Arik Armstead could also play some defensive end if need be while Sheldon Day mans the defensive tackle spot opposite DeForest Buckner. If there was any position that the 49ers could afford to lose someone, it was likely along the defensive line.

Still, this obviously isn’t an ideal situation and it’s one worth monitoring going forward. Hopefully, Bosa will be good to go by Week 1 and 49ers fans could get a glimpse of their promising young rookie.

But it’s safe to say that this isn’t the start that the 49ers or Bosa had hoped for.