Nick Bosa wants to take the field in the 49ers' regular-season opener.
The San Francisco rookie pass rusher, who has been dealing with a high-ankle sprain, returned to practice Monday and told reporters he was optimistic he could play in the team's Week 1 matchup against the Buccaneers.
#49ers starting Week 1 practice:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 2, 2019
DE Nick Bosa, CBs Verrett & KWilliams are back from injury
New #: Verrett 27, Al-Shaair 51 pic.twitter.com/fVIo1rB1Q2
“I don’t think I’ve ever been as motivated in my life to get back,” Bosa said, via the Mercury News. “I’ve had my sights set on playing my first NFL season. Every waking hour was spent getting my ankle right.”
Nick Bosa returned to #49ers practice for the first time since sustaining a right ankle sprain on Aug. 7. pic.twitter.com/6hJhgRnV1g
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 2, 2019
The No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft suffered the injury at a 49ers' practice early in training camp. He stayed down on the field after he was tangled up with teammates during a run play, was examined by trainers and eventually walked off under his own power.
San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh praised Bosa’s play during his first few NFL practices.
“So far he’s been doing a very good job getting better every day,” Saleh said earlier this month, via the Sacramento Bee. “He is winning some one-on-ones, he’s not winning all of them, which you don’t expect. He is getting better. His whole deal is to continue to get better, stay healthy, improve on his game, and add a second repertoire to keep adding to his skill set with regard to pass rush. He’s really good in the run game, could get better, but he’s progressing the right way.”
The 49ers will face the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.