There was some conjecture on Thursday that Nick Bosa would be primarily used as a pass-rush specialist in his NFL debut on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Much of that was based on what the rookie defensive end told reporters in the locker room before practice.
"Whenever I think about actual third down in the game, I get kind of excited already," Bosa said. "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."
Bosa is excited about being in there on third downs, but that doesn't mean he will be limited to those snaps. General manager John Lynch joined KNBR on Thursday and clarified the team's plan for the young pass rusher.
"We want him out there on every down," Lynch said on the "Tolbert, Krueger and Lund" show. "I think every D-lineman just loves third down because that's where they make their money. I also know that one of the reasons that attracted us to Nick Bosa is because he's good on every down.
"There's an old saying. You have to earn the right to rush the passer, and you do that by being successful on first and second down, and Nick will be out there throughout our game. He'll be there on third down as well, and he's done a really nice job — our staff has — getting him right.
"It was very important to him to play in this first game, to be there for his teammates. We're appreciative of that, and the good news is it's real. It's not like we're forcing it. He's ready to go and that's a great thing for us."
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh also stated on Thursday that the coaches expect Bosa to play on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
"He's going," Saleh told reporters. "He should be (ready)."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.