'There's really no pitch count for me': Nick Bosa, DeMeco Ryans discuss expectations for 49ers-Lions

Nick Bosa's availability has been a hot topic, with the season opener arriving on Sunday. While clarity has been provided throughout the rehabilitation process, the final step was given on Thursday.

The defensive end and defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans both spoke to the media after a practice session Thursday, where Bosa's status was brought up.

Ryans applauded the young star's work ethic and determination to be ready for 2021, shedding light on the tough process of recovery that players face after major injuries.

"Bosa's looking great," Ryans said. "He's done a phenomenal job -- just a testament to him, the work he's put in throughout this whole entire process of rehabbing. He's worked extremely hard, and I'm very proud of the work he's put in and put himself in a position to be ready to go here in Week 1. I'm very excited, very fired up. He's just been a true pro. Even though he's still a young player in this league, he really does a lot to take care of his body. He's in shape, he's looking fast and explosive, so I'm excited to have him out there."

In addition to being in shape, Ryans stated that Bosa's been improving his technique during the process, becoming a better player as he progresses to full health.

"He's been able to work on his technique," the coach shared. "He hopped back in and he's actually done better than he first started. I'm excited to see him against live competition on Sunday. I'm excited to watch him, and I'm happy for him. Guys that battle through injuries and all the things you have to go through -- the mental strain that it puts on you and the physical strain, I'm just proud of guys who are able to bounce back and be able to go back out there and play on Sunday. So it's a really big day for him."

Bosa himself alleviated all concerns of limited play Sunday by confirming that he had no restrictions for Week 1, unlike Dee Ford, who earlier this week said he expects to be on a pitch count.

"There's really no pitch count for me," Bosa told reporters. "I'm just going to go. Whatever [defensive line coach] Kris [Kocurek] tells me. I'm fully confident to play as many snaps as I need to."

The third-year player suffered a torn ACL in last year's Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets, ending his season shortly after a promising rookie season where Bosa tallied nine sacks to go with an interception and a forced fumble along that 2019 star-studded defensive line.

With Week 1 being his first game action since last year, look for Bosa to re-establish himself as a dominant threat along that deep San Francisco defensive line.

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