49ers mailbag: Answering fan questions on Bosa’s holdout, front office decisions and injury updates

NFL opening week sends 49ers to Pittsburgh to face Steelers, with or without Nick Bosa

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year has yet to arrive for the start of the season, but 49ers fans have made their presence known by submitting questions for this Week 1 mailbag via social media:

What exactly is going on with Nick Bosa? This appears suspicious. (@_wrrongg)

This contract impasse appears to be coming to an end, as the season is about to begin. There will be no more missed training camp practices or preseason games. There is no longer time to argue about guaranteed money or injury protection, etc. Both camps have been silent, as promised, which should have told you that they were expecting a lengthy negotiation that would, in no small part, reset the market.

Is it true that the 49ers’ front office has deteriorated over the last two years to the point where a change is required after this season, regardless of win/loss record, citing the handling of Bosa, Lance, and kickers as recent examples? (@J_Propar)

No. The front office is not to blame for Trey Lance’s two injury-plagued seasons, nor for the still-on-the-table gamble to go cheap at kicker (as they were intent on doing with a quarterback so high in 2021).

When can we expect to hear from Jed? It’s unfortunate that they haven’t signed yet. (@mlucey13)

Jed York should next be seen at a trophy presentation. The season is rapidly approaching. He’s learned that the public spotlight should be shared by his coach, Kyle Shanahan, and his general manager, John Lynch, who must weigh in on personnel matters. When I spoke with Jed on the Levi’s Stadium field before the Aug. 19 preseason win, he refused to comment on the Bosa deal, but I didn’t sense any dismay or disrespect, just a sense that a deal would be reached as negotiations progressed.

Do you believe there is any disagreement between Shanny and Lynch regarding personnel decisions such as drafts and trades? (@FowleBall15)

Any? Sure. Is there anything serious going on? No. They appear to have been working in tandem since the beginning. They are now entering their seventh season with a great deal of balance. I try not to judge just what I see – they play catch like best friends during practice warmups – but how the roster is assembled. They want to win a Super Bowl together, they’ve come close, and they’re only five months away.

Aside from the contract, should we be concerned about Bosa’s failure to learn Wilks’ defense from a schematic standpoint? (@fluffyskg)

That’s the least of their concerns. New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was brought in to keep the defense’s principles, which in Bosa’s case are to use his gifted and tailored skills to beat an offensive tackle and double teams on pass and run downs.

Is everyone in good health and ready to go? Is there any significant injury news heading into Week 1? (@topdoggtuck)

The 49ers were fully healthy even for Week 1? Preposterous. They are dealing with player injuries such as…

Is Kittle in the game? Dre? Hufanga? Mason? Burks and Gipson? McCloud, Ray? (@joespiegel)

Wednesday will shed more light on the situation. After practice, their first official injury report will be released, though their status will not be revealed until just before boarding Friday’s flight to Pittsburgh. Some, like Jake Moody, may be game-time decisions due to a quad strain in his kicking leg. All of those listed have been rehabbing on the sidelines and have a good chance of playing. McCloud could be the unexpected activation.

Who do you think will be the Week 1 inactives, assuming Bosa returns and the injured starters are ready to go? (@YaBoyElRey)

Offense tackle Matt Pryor, defensive tackle Kalia Davis, running back Jordan Mason, cornerback Ambry Thomas, linebacker Dee Winters, tight end Brayden Willis, and McCloud are the seven most likely to be inactive. Brandon Allen is the backup quarterback.

Do the authors all get along and share ideas? Do the content guys irritate you as well? (@Michael21985873)

I’d like to believe that writers, reporters, broadcasters, and social-media bandits, er, creators are all driven by a desire to provide unique, insightful information. Nobody does it the same way. Competition is good for players on their depth chart as well. Everyone should be professional, fair, and respectful to their colleagues, players, coaches, and followers. In reality…

I will be present (in Pittsburgh). Any restaurant recommendations? @eat_vizzles)

I’m sure the food scene has changed since the 49ers and I last visited in 2015. And Yelp or Eater may be more helpful. But here’s what I wrote about Pittsburgh’s cuisine for our NFL preview magazine to help fans planning road trips: “The Strip District and Market Square are popular destinations.” Both serve hefty Primanti Bros. sandwiches with fries. Peppi’s and Roland’s Seafood are also worth a visit. For your tailgate, stop by Mancini’s Bakery.