The San Francisco 49ers are expecting to have rookie No. 2 pick Nick Bosa on the field for their regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Bosa missed all of training camp and the preseason after suffering a sprained ankle during organized team activities. Having just returned to practice recently, Bosa is set to go Week 1.
“Whenever I think about actual third down in the game, I get kind of excited already,” Bosa said, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “It’ll build up toward game day, and I’m sure I’ll be able to keep my emotions in check, but it’ll be a lot for the first time.”
49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh added, “Nick, he’s going. He should be.” Bosa has not suited up in real-game action since September of last season as a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He suffered a core muscle injury and dropped himself from the program to focus on the 2019 NFL Draft.
Even with Bosa set to return for Sunday, it’s going to be in spot duty. He’s expected to come in on obvious passing downs.