Why 49ers would be wise to hold Nick Bosa back one more week

SANTA CLARA — It’s been a week since Nick Bosa made the bold declaration that it was “pretty darn likely” that he would be able to shake off the calf strain that’s kept him sidelined since Week 2 in time for the 49ers’ Monday night showdown against the Commanders.And yet, still, San Francisco’s star edge rusher has been nowhere to be found.Bosa didn’t practice Friday for the second straight day and hasn’t even been spotted off to the side during the portion open to reporters.Barring the unexpected, it would appear that his proclamation a week ago won’t come to fruition. Now, that might sound like bad news.

And nobody would blame the 49ers Faithful, of all fan bases, to be conditioned to interpret any less-than-glowing health update in a negative light.But let’s pump the brakes.While Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that he was still “hoping” to have Bosa on Monday night, the 49ers coach has put his team in a position where there’s no need to force it.Just about everything that could go right has through the first five weeks of the season.Yet another break went their way to begin Week 6, when Sam Darnold was picked off in overtime Thursday night, sending the Seahawks into the same unenviable position as the Rams:A full three games behind the 49ers in the loss column.San Francisco is in full control of the NFC West, but there’s been one glaring exception to its 5-0 start — all those darn injuries.

Impressive as it’s been for the 49ers to stack wins while losing more bodies by the week, it’s time to cash in some of that breathing room.Bosa is hardly the only Niner nursing nagging ailments.Mike Evans, who has toughed out broken ribs, started experiencing Achilles soreness this week.

Fullback Kyle Juszczyk returned to practice but remained limited by his hyperextended knee.Defensive tackle Gracen Halton (quad), left tackle Colton McKivitz (illness) and backup guard Carver Willis (toe) were also new additions to the practice participati...