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The San Francisco 49ers’ unbeaten start to the 2025 season came at a steep cost. On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that star defensive end Nick Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during Sunday’s narrow 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The injury will require surgery and sideline the 27-year-old for the remainder of the season.
Bosa went down late in the first quarter while being double-teamed on a pass rush. His knee bent awkwardly as he fell to the ground, and though he limped off under his own power, he signaled a “thumbs down” to the sideline crowd, a telling sign that he knew the prognosis wasn’t good.
Initial sideline tests offered a sliver of hope, but further imaging on Monday revealed a clean ACL tear.
“You don’t just replace a guy like Nick,” Shanahan told reporters.
The setback is devastating for San Francisco, which already has been navigating a wave of early-season injuries. Quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings have all missed time. However, the 49ers have managed to claw their way to a 3-0 start, with Mac Jones stepping in to guide the offense over the last two weeks.
For Bosa, this marks the second ACL tear of his career. He missed nearly all of the 2020 season with a torn ligament in his left knee but bounced back to become the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, when he posted a career-high 18.5 sacks. In just over six full seasons, Bosa has amassed 64.5 sacks, 91 tackles for loss, and five Pro Bowl selections, cementing himself as the cornerstone of San Francisco’s pass rush.
Before exiting Sunday’s contest, he had already notched two tackles and a forced fumble. And through three games this season, he’s had two sacks and 17 tackles.
The 49ers return home next Sunday to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they’ll now be moving forward without their defensive anchor.
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What’s Next for 49ers’ Defense After Nick Bosa’s Season-Ending ACL Injury?
Nick Bosa‘s loss is more than just a personnel hit; it reshapes the entire identity of San Francisco’s defense. Without him, the 49ers will need to lean on depth and restrategize. Veteran edge rusher Bryce Huff, who was acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, is expected to slide into Bosa’s starting role.
Huff has already made an impression, tallying two sacks and leading the team with 11 quarterback pressures over the first three weeks. The question now is whether he can maintain that production with increased attention from opposing offensive lines.
First-round rookie Mykel Williams has also shown promise in limited snaps, logging nine pressures and a quarterback hit. His development could be accelerated out of necessity, as the team looks for fresh contributors to fill the void.
The responsibility also shifts to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who must find creative ways to generate pressure without his most reliable pass rusher. History suggests Bosa’s absence will be felt deeply. The last time he missed significant time, in 2020, the 49ers slipped to a 6-10 finish after a Super Bowl appearance the year before.
For now, San Francisco’s season remains alive at 3-0. But without their defensive centerpiece, the road ahead looks steeper, and the pressure on the rest of the roster has never been higher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What injury did Nick Bosa suffer against the Cardinals?
Nick Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during the 49ers’ Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The injury will require surgery and end his 2025 season.
Has Nick Bosa suffered an ACL tear before?
Yes. Bosa previously tore the ACL in his left knee during Week 2 of the 2020 season. He returned the following year and went on to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022.
Who will replace Nick Bosa in the 49ers’ starting lineup?
Veteran pass rusher Bryce Huff, acquired in a June trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, is expected to take over Bosa’s role. First-round rookie Mykel Williams will also see more snaps.
How important was Nick Bosa to the 49ers’ defense?
Bosa was the centerpiece of San Francisco’s pass rush and one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players. He has 64.5 career sacks, led the league with 18.5 sacks in 2022, and was a five-time Pro Bowler.
Which team will the 49ers play next?
The 49ers, now 3-0, will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. With Bosa out, they will rely on their defensive depth, an improved pass rush from Bryce Huff, and adjustments from defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to stay competitive.
