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NFL

49ers' DE Nick Bosa cleared to play against the Packers

With varying players still listed as questionable, the news of the defensive end's return couldn't have come at a better time for San Francisco

Update:
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to face the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round, they can now count on the services of star DE Nick Bosa
AFP

As they head into their NFC's Divisional Round clash with their arch rivals, the 49ers just welcomed back a weapon.

49ers Nick Bosa cleared to face the Packers

Though the word on the street was generally positive throughout the week, the San Francisco 49ers were finally able to officially confirm that defensive end Nick Bosa will play the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. Indeed, according to reports on Friday, Bosa has at last cleared concussion protocols and subsequently has been activated to play, meaning he will face San Francisco's sworn enemy at Lambeau Field this weekend. There can be no overstating when speaking on Bosa's importance to the 49ers this season. The DE has led San Francisco in sacks with 15.5 on the season to go with an NFL high 21 tackles.

Having been hopeful all week, teammates and coaches alike met the news of his arrival with excitement. "He's come along well going through the NFL protocol," defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans said. "Definitely need him out there." Incidentally, it was earlier on Friday morning when the 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said things were "looking good" when questioned about whether Bosa would clear protocols in time to play.

Just what happened to Nick Bosa?

The way in which Bosa sustained his injury was actually quite distressing to see. It was during last week's dramatic 23-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys when Bosa had a frightening collision with fellow team mate, defensive tackle D.J. Jones in the second quarter. Replays would show that in the moment of impact, Jones' knee inadvertently hit Bosa's head as the two came together. Disoriented, Bosa was unable to return to the game. After showing steady progress, however, it was later reported that he participated in practice - though limited - on both Wednesday and Thursday. It was at that point that the 49ers began to acknowledge the real possibility that one of their most critical players was on the road to return.

In truth the 49ers have endured a tough time of late due to various injury concerns, such that they have now been forced to elevate cornerback Darqueze Dennard and linebacker Mark Nzeocha from the practice squad to the active roster in an effort to cover. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has also been nursing his thumb, though he has stated he will be ready to play the Packers.