Nick Bosa’s MRI confirms the worst for 49ers

Nick Bosa did, in fact, tear his ACL. He will miss the rest of the regular season

Whether it be the Metlife Stadium turf or unforeseen circumstances, the end product is the same. The San Francisco 49ers will be without Nick Bosa for the rest of the season, as he tore his ACL in his left leg. Without Bosa the 49ers defensive line takes a major hit, especially since they traded DeForest Buckner before the start of the season.

With Richard Sherman on injured reserve, the 49ers defense is amiss several critical contributors. While Jimmy Garoppolo could potentially play as early as next week despite an ankle injury, it’s fair to question just how many setbacks the 49ers can afford. Not every opponent is the New York Jets.

Can the 49ers defense survive without Bosa’s presence?

Without Bosa, the 49ers will rely even more heavily on the likes of Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, Kerry Hyder and potentially Ezekiel Ansah should they choose to sign him in free agency. Ansah is the best defensive lineman available, and if he passes COVID-19 testing should be a good fit by the Bay.

Kyle Shanahan blamed the Metlife Stadium turf for the slew of injuries, and he might have a valid point. The only issue with that statement is that the 49ers play the Giants on that very turf just next week.

“Who knows? I don’t know exactly why it happened,” Shanahan said in his postgame press conference. “But as far as the feeling that was on the sidelines, I know that’s as many knee injuries and ankle stuff and people getting caught on the turf as I’ve ever been a part of. From what I saw, the other team did too. I know our players talked about it the entire game, just how sticky the turf was. I think that was the first time people played on it, I think. But yeah, it was something our guys were concerned about right away. The results definitely made that a lot stronger. Unfortunately it’s a place we’ve got to go back to next week.”

San Francisco is 1-1 and fighting in a competitive NFC West. The Rams and Cardinals look to have improved year-over-year, and the Seahawks are as dominant as ever. Their excuses must turn into results soon or they could be playing from behind.