49ers’ Nick Bosa could return to face Commanders in Week 6

Nick Bosa has a chance to return against Washington, but the San Francisco 49ers are not ready to declare the defensive end ready to play.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Bosa (calf/knee), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee), and defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. (ankle) remain under evaluation throughout the week after missing the 49ers’ victory over Seattle.

Asked about Bosa’s optimism that he could play, Shanahan said, “We know he’s got a chance.”

He added: “They’ve all got a chance, but definitely not saying they’re good to go right now. We’ve got to continue to evaluate them throughout the week, and it’ll take all week, but hopefully they can get there.”

Bosa has not played since Week 2 vs. Miami on September 20th.

Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Levi’s Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Nick Bosa

Nick Bosa’s availability would be a boost as San Francisco prepares for Washington.

He missed Week 5 with knee and calf designations after sustaining a calf injury during an individual warm-up ahead of practice. Shanahan said at the time that Bosa could miss “around a few weeks,” leaving his return dependent on his recovery and progress.

The calf issue followed rehabilitation from a torn right ACL suffered in Week 3 of the 2025 season. Bosa returned to the field in 2026, but the setback has kept him sidelined as the 49ers manage his health.

San Francisco could use the pass rusher, particularly with linebacker Dre Greenlaw facing a one-game suspension and wide receiver Deebo Samuel expected to miss time with a hamstring injury.

Shanahan said the team was disappointed by Greenlaw’s suspension and hoped the appeal process could change the outcome.

For now, the 49ers will monitor Bosa through practice rather than count on his return. Shanahan’s update leaves the door open for Washington, but stops short of a timetable.

Whether Nick Bosa can progress to play in Week 6 should become clearer as the week unfolds.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

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• 49ers survive wild finish in Seattle, improve to 5-0
• Sando: 49ers’ sack-free start shows Brock Purdy’s growth
• ESPN’s Nick Wagoner: Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT
• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT

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