San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa briefly paused during a long response to a reporter's question after practice on Thursday.

"It's tough with this mask," he said before continuing with his answer.


Bosa and cornerback Jason Verrett wore masks while speaking with reporters, quickly indicating that both are among the less than 10 percent of 49ers players who remain unvaccinated. Protocols demand that they wear masks while at the team's facilities — except during practices. If neither gets vaccinated, they will be limited by several league-imposed restrictions this season and have to undergo more frequent COVID testing.

"I'm just evaluating everything right now," Bosa said when asked about the vaccine. "I haven't made a decision quite yet, but just following the protocols and see where it goes."

Verrett was also asked about his decision.

"That's just something that we're still kind of working through," Verrett responded, "so that's all that I can answer to that."


For one of their teammates, running back Raheem Mostert, the decision to be vaccinated was a no-brainer. He did so for his wife and children. To keep them safe, Mostert was separated from his family last year during the pandemic. They are with him in the Bay Area this year, and you can tell that he is in a much better place, emotionally, because of it.


However, Mostert supports his teammates who have not yet chosen to be vaccinated. The running back continues to be a resource for anyone who might have questions but admits he is not a medical expert.

"I did it because -- the sole reason is because I have two young boys that I want to look after the best way I possibly can," Mostert said on Thursday. "I'm a family man, very family-oriented, as you all know. So I try to do everything in my power to make sure that I'm giving them the best opportunity, and even more so, my teammates. If it means I have to do what I have to do to help the team win, then so be it because I believe in one team, one sound. We're all going to get through this thing together."

Mostert could have opted out last season but choose to be with his teammates. The season didn't go as he hoped. The running back dealt with injuries, and the team won just six games. While it was difficult for Mostert, he wanted to do what he could to contribute to any success possible.

Added Mostert regarding his teammate's vaccination status: "At the end of the day, if you have the best-informed information, then that's your call and your decision. And I stick by whatever, any guy, what their decision is, at the end of the day."

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