San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, the NFL's sack leader, has been dealing with a groin injury he sustained on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said there's a chance he could play against the Falcons. Bosa's talent and volume on the football are tough to replace. Still, if Bosa doesn't play, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and his defense can continue to dominate.
The good news is the 49ers have several players in the rotation, and any one of them can start opposite defensive end Samson Ebukam, who will take Bosa's place on the right side. Ebukam has produced 3.5 sacks on the season, second to Bosa's six.
Charles Omenihu is coming along well, and against the Panthers, he found himself in the backfield, sacking quarterback Baker Mayfield. Omenihu has two sacks this season, tied with the 49ers' second-round draft pick, Drake Jackson. Jackson is the 49ers' prototypical Leo defensive end. He's young, and a bit raw, but this opportunity could be great for the young edge rusher who is second place in sacks amongst rookies behind first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson from the Detroit Lions.
Last but not least is Kemoko Turay. He was added to the team before the draft, released during the 53-man roster cuts at the end of August, and signed to the 49ers practice squad. Turay is another speed edge rusher who is very disruptive in the pass and tackles well.
While Bosa practiced today and was officially listed as "questionable" to play on Sunday. It may not be wise to rush him back so soon from his groin injury. The defense is fully equipped and proved they can get home without the mighty small bear. The defensive line recorded five sacks against the Panthers without Bosa nursing his injury on the sideline. Perhaps Bosa will rest up and prepare for the next opponent, the Kansas City Cheifs, at home.