Nick Bosa has not yet returned to full practice, but Trent Williams has already seen enough to offer the San Francisco 49ers an encouraging assessment.
“I couldn’t even tell that he had an injury or he came back from anything,” Williams said from training camp. “Bosa looks better than he did before he got hurt last year.”
Trent Williams says Nick Bosa looks better than before his ACL tear, a vital boost after the 49ers finished last with 20 sacks. Getty Images
Bosa tore his ACL in Week 3 of the 2025 season, ending his seventh season before San Francisco’s defense had a chance to settle in.
Williams said Bosa showed none of the muscle loss or physical hesitation typically associated with such a severe knee injury.
“That’s just a commitment to him and how hard he works,” Williams said. “A guy that successful, for his motor to still run as high as it does, I think it’s just a testament to his character.”
The 49ers need that glowing review to translate once the regular season begins.
San Francisco finished last in the NFL with only 20 sacks last year and ranked 31st with a 26.8% pressure rate. Without Bosa, the defense generated pressure on 26.2% of opposing dropbacks and produced a sack on just 3% of those plays.
Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers is carted off the field after sustaining an injury Getty Images
Even during his brief availability, the difference was apparent. The 49ers posted a 32.3% pressure rate with Bosa on the field, an increase of more than six percentage points.
The veteran DE cannot repair the entire pass rush by himself, but San Francisco needs him to restore the disruption that disappeared following his injury. His presence should also create better matchups for the younger linemen working under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
The 49ers are counting on several defenders to return from injuries this season, but none may be more important than Nick Bosa.
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) walks off the field after win against the Philadelphia Eagles IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Former All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner also missed much of last season due to injury.
Second-year defensive end Mykel Williams is also recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 9. His timeline remains uncertain. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins is dealing with a shoulder injury, though the team expects him back during the second block of training camp practices. Rookie Romello Height also caused concern when he was carted off Monday, but the team later said he was suffering from cramps.
Williams sees him every day and believes he looks better than before.
After last season’s historically ineffective pass rush, San Francisco needs that to be more than training camp optimism.
