49ers DC: Nick Bosa will play in 49ers’ season opener vs. Rams

Raheem Morris Confirms Nick Bosa Will Play in 49ers’ Season Opener vs. Rams

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has plenty to prepare for ahead of Thursday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia, but one thing appears to be settled.

Nick Bosa will be on the field.

Morris was asked to clarify whether he anticipates Bosa playing after the star defensive end went through last week’s practice before making the long trip to Australia.

“Oh, Nick Bosa? Oh, he’s going out there,” Morris said. “Whatever you want to say, he’s going. He’ll be there. We’re not hiding that.”

#49ers DE Nick Bosa getting ready for practice here in Melbourne after DC Raheem Morris made it clear he’s expected to play Friday. pic.twitter.com/hisWHU08lP

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 8, 2026

More on Nick Bosa

Morris said Nick Bosa’s experience and understanding of his own body give the 49ers confidence heading into the opener.

“Nick Bosa is really easy. You watch this guy do it over a span, a long time in his career, been able to do it at different levels,” Morris said. “Bosa knows his body as well as anybody. He’ll be prepared and ready to go as well as anybody.”

Bosa won’t be the only defensive lineman Morris is keeping an eye on.

Rookie Romello Height recently returned to practice after missing roughly 10 days, and Morris said the team will take its time getting him ready for his first NFL game.

“We’ll ease them into this thing and get them ready to go,” Morris said.

The 49ers also have a decision to make at defensive end, with Ogbo Okoronkwo and Khalid Kareem competing for an opportunity to contribute. Morris has familiarity with both players, having previously coached Kareem in Atlanta and Okoronkwo with the Rams.

“They’re going to be fun,” Morris said. “Two guys that I’ve got a lot of confidence in.”

The biggest challenge for the 49ers’ secondary could come from the Rams’ wide receiver duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Morris didn’t mince words when describing the matchup.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Raheem Morris defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the media following a training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

“Yeah, let’s just cut to the chase. They’re a pain, right?” Morris said. “And you’ve got to go out there and compete.”

Morris expects Thursday’s matchup to showcase two physical teams, while also giving Australian fans an opportunity to watch some of the NFL’s biggest stars.

“A very physical, well-fought battle by both teams,” Morris said. “And I think it’ll be enjoyable for the Aussie fans.”

As for the bigger picture, Morris isn’t interested in looking ahead to the possibility of eventually playing the Rams again on their home field in the Super Bowl.

“You know, that’s way too soon to talk about those things,” Morris said. “For us, it’s just one day at a time.”

For the 49ers, that means getting ready for the Rams, and Morris appears confident his defense will have Nick Bosa leading the way.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Greg Papa opens up about life-saving transplant & his 49ers comeback attempt
• Caraway: Nick Bosa must prove his value to the 49ers
• 49ers’ RB depth could change Christian McCaffrey’s role

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT

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