49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh put to rest a lot of speculation about rookie defensive end Nick Bosa’s availability for Sunday’s season opener in Tampa Bay. The No. 2 overall pick will be in uniform on the field for the 49ers.
“Nick, he’s going,” Saleh told reporters. “He’s going.”
There are still some hurdles to clear for Bosa as he recovers from an ankle injury he suffered in early August leading up to the preseason opener, but Saleh is pleased with what he’s seen from the former Buckeye.
“Bosa’s looked good so far,” he said. “Obviously, we’re monitoring his reps and all that stuff, so he’s progressing. He feels good and especially with these days leading up are going to be critical for him with rehab and solidifying everything for game day.”
Bosa was officially listed as “limited” on Wednesday’s injury report. He may wind up being limited all week with the team not wanting to push that ankle too hard with game day looming, but Saleh’s optimism about Bosa’s availability is pretty good indicator he’s going to play.
There’s no word on a snap count or whether he’ll play only situationally, but any snaps out of the rookie would provide a much-needed improvement from the 49ers’ outside pass rush.
