Defensive end Nick Bosa has arrived in the Bay Area. The San Francisco 49ers shared the following photos of their star pass rusher, and it doesn't look like the now-very rich player flew coach.
The bear has landed 🐻 pic.twitter.com/djF1GNofmM
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 7, 2023
The team also shared the following video.
He's baaaack. pic.twitter.com/uH6EPBU33q
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 7, 2023
Bosa agreed to a five-year, $170 million contract extension. He remains on the team's reserve/did-not-report list, but that will likely end tomorrow when his 44-day holdout officially comes to an end.
Bosa didn't arrive in time to participate in the 49ers' Wednesday practice. However, he will likely be on the field with his teammates for tomorrow and Friday's sessions, the last two full practices before the Niners travel to Pittsburgh to open the season against the Steelers.
How much Bosa plays on Sunday remains uncertain.
"I don't know when he's going to get here or where he's flying from, but we'll be smart with it, and that'll be based over these next two-and-a-half practices," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters.
For the 49ers, Bosa's return ensures the defense opens the season at full strength. It also ends the distraction caused by his absence.
"I'd be lying to say it wasn't [hanging over the locker room] because he's such a huge contributor to what we do as a defense and how we play," tackle Trent Williams said. "So, it's not like anybody else going down. Defensive Player of the Year, you miss people like that. I know it's the next-man-up league, but a lot of that goes out the window when you're talking about a player like that."
