Nick Bosa has chance to play in Week 1 despite ankle injury

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa has not played in the preseason because of an ankle injury he suffered during workouts, but there is a chance he could be cleared in time for Week 1.

Bosa has a high-ankle sprain, and 49ers GM John Lynch said last week that the former Ohio State star has a 50 percent chance of suiting up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. It sounds like Bosa has avoided setbacks, because Lynch sounded more optimistic while speaking with reporters on Wednesday.

#49ers GM John Lynch on @KNBR said “Week 1 is certainly in play” for Nick Bosa.

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 28, 2019

The Niners used the No. 2 overall pick on Bosa and certainly are not going to rush things with him, especially with the way he has been banged up all offseason. That said, the point of sidelining him for the preseason is so he can get back to full strength as quickly as possible. If he’s not experiencing any pain leading up to the opener, that would be a very good sign.