Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers practices, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif., for the first time since signing a five-year, $170 million contract. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SANTA CLARA — Let the record reflect that red-jersey No. 97 returned to action on 9/7/23.
Nick Bosa, a day after agreeing to a historic contract extension, worked on his individual conditioning while his 49ers teammates began Thursday’s practice, with three days to go until the season opener Sunday at Pittsburgh.
Bosa looked as fit as ever. Rather than force-feed him into practice for the first time since last season’s playoffs, the 49ers had him stretch and do light running while shadowed by head strength coach Dustin Perry.
Minus his helmet, Bosa was otherwise in full uniform: shoulder pads, gold pants, white gloves and a snug fitting jersey that was tucked up into his shoulder pads, with a white undershirt shrouding his chiseled abdominal muscles.
He officially was listed as limited in practice but not due to injury. He remains on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, from which he must be activated by Saturday at 1 p.m. PT to play in the opener.
On Wednesday, Bosa agreed to the richest contract in 49ers history and the NFL’s largest for a non-quarterback: five years, $170 million. He flew in Wednesday night from his native Florida and was at the 49ers’ facility at 6 a.m. Thursday. He attended the mandatory minicamp three months ago but did no on-field action, and then skipped all of training camp and the preseason.
WARD, HUFANGA DON’T PRACTICE
Cornerback Charvarius Ward (heel) did not practice, and safety Talanoa Hufanga was excused to deal with a personal matter, according to the team’s participation report.
Ward’s workload has been limited since camp. Hufanga also has been dealing with an injury — a Baker cyst behind one of his knees for the past few weeks.
LIMITED PLAYERS
Tight end George Kittle (groin), kicker Jake Moody (quadriceps), return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist), safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. (back) and linebacker Oren Burks (knee) were limited but look on track to play Sunday. Returning after sitting out Wednesday’s session were left tackle Trent Williams (rest) and backup center Jon Feliciano (illness).
Originally published at Cam Inman