Defensive end Nick Bosa expects to be on the field with his San Francisco 49ers teammates when they face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

The 49ers held their final full practice of the week Wednesday afternoon (Tuesday night in the United States). Afterward, Bosa spoke to reporters and made it clear that he is ready to suit up for the Week 1 NFC West showdown.


"I'm feeling really happy," Bosa said. "I couldn't be happier with where I'm at. I'm 100% ready to go for the first game, so it's going to be great."

Bosa is coming off an ACL injury that limited him to just three games last season. The 49ers never fully recovered from his absence, with the defense recording an NFL-low 20 sacks and struggling to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently.

The 28-year-old was asked if defensive line coach Kris Kocurek might try to manage his workload against the Rams.

"I haven't talked to Kris yet, but I'm going to hope for no reservations," Bosa said. "But we'll see what he says."

Bosa is entering his eighth NFL season. The former No. 2 overall draft pick has recorded 64.5 sacks over his career and will look to show that he remains one of the NFL's elite pass rushers.


Nick Bosa reveals message to Alfred Collins after injury


The 49ers suffered a significant loss this week when defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon during Tuesday's practice (Monday in the United States), ending his season before it even started.

Collins was projected to start alongside Osa Odighizuwa, with the duo expected to anchor the middle of San Francisco's defensive line. Now, the 49ers could have to rely on a rotation featuring players such as C.J. West and rookies Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr. to help fill the void.

"It was a weird, weird thing," Bosa said. "I didn't really know what happened to him, but terrible. Really unfortunate for him and [DE] Sam [Okuayinonu]. Camp ends and those two guys get those unlucky breaks, which stinks."

Okuayinonu landed on injured reserve after suffering a broken foot during a bonus practice in Melbourne. He will require surgery, but the 49ers hope to have him back later in the season.

As for Collins, Bosa, who has recovered from two ACL injuries during his NFL career, spoke with the second-year defensive tackle after his setback.


"He was in meetings this morning, so we talked to him a little bit," Bosa said. "But I texted him last night and just kind of let him know that there's really nothing anybody could say to you in that moment, or throughout the entire process, honestly. You could have guys tell you to keep your head up as much as you want, but they're not going to be there when you go under and get your surgery done, or the nine months to a year where you're grinding away from the team by yourself to get back.

"It's all great to have the support, but he has to do it for himself, and he just has to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And I told him I've been through it a few times, so he just needs to take it one day at a time."

Nick Bosa impressed with James Thompson Jr.


If Thompson is in line for a bigger role than previously anticipated, Bosa does not doubt that the rookie is up for the challenge.

"He's been like a vet from the beginning," Bosa shared. "I remember in OTAs, I was watching all the rookies and just doing drills, and I was really impressed, especially because him and [DT] Bryson [Eason] (now with the Chiefs) were undrafted. So, I was like, 'Damn, these guys have the tools to be NFL players.'

"And then, with J.T., it's just the mental aspect is different than most. He's really a well-rounded human being. So, I think he's got all the tools and the mentality to be a really good player for us."




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