Bosa hopes to silence those who call 49ers ‘fake, undefeated team’
SANTA CLARA — Nick Bosa is ready for his prime-time debut, and so is his right ankle, the one he sprained Aug. 7 but is now seemingly healthy.
Bosa practiced every day and did not appear on the 49ers’ injury report this past week. The draft’s No. 2 overall pick looks primed to break out when the 49ers (3-0) host the Cleveland Browns (2-2) on Monday night.
“Obviously everyone will be watching on ‘Monday Night Football,’ and everyone is going to have an impression of us,” Bosa said. “We want it to be 4-0, not as a fake, undefeated team like people are saying now.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan said he envisions a healthier Bosa playing more snaps (56-percent thus far), noting that he wasn’t in the training room nearly as much this past week and is “definitely doing better.” Bosa acknowledged he’d like to play more but is fine with what’s been a highly successful rotation with the 49ers’ depth.
Both Bosa and Ford said Saturday they’d prefer not having to face a mobile quarterback but they’re more than game to go after the Browns’ Baker Mayfield.
“People like to say he’s a backyard quarterback. I just think he’s a good quarterback,” Bosa said. “He does extend plays, defensive backs have to stick on their receivers, and our job is to keep him in the pocket and get Buck (DeForest Buckner) and (Arik) Armstead to block his view.”
Ford practiced Saturday for the first time since last week’s bye and he’s listed as questionable because of his lingering knee pain, an issue that isn’t exactly helped by having to pursue a mobile quarterback. “It’s more work I’ve got to do to get to him, but we’ll get to him,” Ford said. “It’ll be fun.”
COLEMAN ALSO QUESTIONABLE
Running back Tevin Coleman is officially questionable but Shanahan is optimistic he’ll get back his season-opening starter. Coleman missed the past 2 1/2 games with a sprained ankle.
MATTHEWS’ POTENTIAL
Jordan Matthews, who re-signed Thursday, is not guaranteed a spot on Monday’s active roster. Shanahan, however, said he’s “definitely comfortable” having Matthews suit up if that becomes the case. The 49ers typically suit up five receivers, and this season that group has been Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel, Richie James Jr. and Kendrick Bourne, the latter two being extra valuable on special teams.
STALEY, ‘SPOON RULED OUT
Left tackle Joe Staley (fibula fracture) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot) officially were ruled out, as expected. Both could be out until late this month, although Witherspoon envisions a quicker return and appeared to be moving well in his rehabilitation exercises.
BROWNS STATUS REPORT
Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (hip) and Jarvis Landry (concussion, shoulder) will play, and the Browns only ruled out offensive tackle Kendall Lamm (knee).
Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams are questionable even though they haven’t practiced nor played the past two games because of hamstring injuries. Also questionable are safety Morgan Burnett (quadricep), wide receiver Rashard Higgins (knee), tackle Christopher Hubbard (foot), and safety Sheldrick Redwine (hamstring).
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