Lynch on Bosa: Week 1 is certainly in play

Usually, this would have been the biggest story of the day, but when San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch gave an update on running back Jerick McKinnon, that was always going to steal the headlines.

Lynch had some positive news about first-round pick Nick Bosa. Here’s what he told the guys at KNBR:

“He really is healing at a really good rate and Week 1 is certainly in play. I’m not going to say probable. Questionable. I’m not to go there yet because we just aren’t to that point yet. But he’s kind of exceeding where we thought he could be, so it’s definitely a possibility.”

Lynch was optimistic, but understands that this is about the big picture, and not just one game.

“Knowing how much he means to this organization, and how we’re looking at this as a long-term proposition, we’re not going to rush anything. And doing what he does, it’s one thing to be able to run out here[in rehab], but doing it against a 330-pound man, turning and all the things a D-lineman has to do is another level. But I can say we’re very encouraged with the way it’s going with Nick.”

Lynch walked back the optimism, but it’s nice to hear that the rookie pass rusher is progressing.

Looking at the schedule, I’d save Bosa for Week 3. That gives him a month and two weeks to fully recover. It’s a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as opposed to two road games, and if there is any soreness, he gets a bye week after. Not to mention, Tampa Bay and Cincinnati have below-average offensive lines. You don’t need Bosa to win. It would be great, and I’m sure Bosa and Dee Ford would wreak havoc, but big-picture Week 3 would make the most sense. What do you think?