It was a bit concerning that San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday after emerging from Week 13's win over the Miami Dolphins with what head coach Kyle Shanahan described as hamstring irritation.
On Friday, the 49ers held their third and final practice of the week, and Bosa was not on the field with his teammates.
As the #49ers begin their Friday practice, Nick Bosa (hamstring) is not on the field with the other defensive linemen.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) December 9, 2022
The situation leaves many wondering if the NFL's current sack leader will be on the field, chasing after quarterback Tom Brady, when the team hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
The good news is that Bosa was seen on Friday. Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group noted that the defensive end was working out in the weight room and showed "no hindrance of hamstring (no wrap or limp)" as he walked around.
Nick Bosa sighting: He's not practicing but he's working out in weight room, shows no hindrance of hamstring (no wrap or limp) as he walked outside briefly
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 9, 2022
Brady (maybe) jokingly posted a message to Bosa ahead of this weekend's matchup. "Be nice Sunday," the future Hall of Famer said via Instagram, hoping not to get on the pass rusher's wrong side.
Bosa has racked up 14.5 sacks this season, recording three this past weekend against the Dolphins. He also has 36 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 34 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble through his 11 game appearances this season. Bosa's 62 pressures are second only to Za'Darius Smith of the Minnesota Vikings, who has 64.
Bosa's defensive grade of 89.9 from Pro Football Focus is a career-high, and his 88.4 pass-rush grade is his second-highest ever (90.0 in 2021).
The 49ers will reveal the game statuses for injured players after practice.