49ers Lose Star Pass Rusher to Season-Ending Injury
The San Francisco 49ers’ undefeated start to the 2025 season has been overshadowed by devastating news. Star defensive end Nick Bosa will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during the team’s 16-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. The injury was confirmed by an MRI on Monday, September 22, after Bosa exited the game in the first quarter.
Bosa was injured late in the first quarter after being taken down on a double-team block. He was attended to by trainers on the sideline before heading to the locker room and being ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Sources indicate it was a clean tear with no other ligament damage, which should allow for a straightforward recovery process ahead of the 2026 season. This marks the third major knee injury of Bosa’s career; he previously tore the ACL in his left knee during Week 2 of the 2020 season.
Before the injury, the five-time Pro Bowler was off to a strong start, having recorded 17 total tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles through the first three games. His absence is a significant blow to a 49ers team that, despite its 3-0 record, is already navigating a series of key injuries. As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, the team has been without quarterback Brock Purdy and star tight end George Kittle. “Anytime you lose a guy like Nick and he doesn’t come back, that’s a real buzzkill,” left tackle Trent Williams said after the game. “We’re hoping and praying that we get some good news.”
Week 3 Sees Several Stars Sidelined Across the League
Bosa’s injury was the headline of a punishing Sunday across the NFL, as several other key players were forced to leave their respective games with significant injuries. The league is now grappling with the loss of multiple impact players as teams head into Week 4.
Other Notable Injuries:
- James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals: In the same game, Cardinals running back James Conner was carted off the field after his right ankle was bent awkwardly during a tackle. Reports indicate that his injury is also feared to be season-ending.
- Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers fear they have lost their starting running back for the season after Najee Harris went down with a non-contact Achilles injury. Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the nature of the injury, with further tests pending to determine the full extent of the damage.
- CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys: During a 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears, Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb suffered what is believed to be a high ankle sprain. While he was ruled out for the remainder of the game, Lamb was optimistic about his chances of playing in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers, telling reporters, “Absolutely, absolutely.”
- Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The veteran receiver exited the Buccaneers’ 29-27 win over the New York Jets in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. Head coach Todd Bowles described it as a “hamstring tweak,” but given Evans’ history with similar injuries, his status will be closely monitored.
The wave of injuries serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll of the NFL season. For the 49ers, the challenge will be to maintain their defensive dominance without the 2022 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The team will now lean more heavily on rookie Mykel Williams, Bryce Huff, and Yetur Gross-Matos to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. As San Francisco and other affected teams adjust their rosters, the impact of this brutal Week 3 will be felt across the league for weeks to come.
