SANTA CLARA — Let the record reflect that red-jersey No. 97 returned to action on 9/7/23.
Nick Bosa, a day after agreeing to a historic contract extension, worked on his individual conditioning while his 49ers teammates began Thursday’s practice, with three days to go until the season opener Sunday at Pittsburgh.
Bosa looked as fit as ever. Rather than force-feed him into practice for the first time since last season’s playoffs, the 49ers had him stretch and do light running while shadowed by head strength coach Dustin Perry.
Minus his helmet, Bosa was otherwise in full uniform: shoulder pads, gold pants, white gloves and a snug fitting jersey that was tucked up into his shoulder pads, with a white undershirt shrouding his chiseled abdominal muscles.
On Wednesday, Bosa agreed to the richest contract in 49ers history and the NFL’s largest for a non-quarterback: five years, $170 million. He flew in Wednesday night from his native Florida and was at the 49ers’ facility at 6 a.m. Thursday. He attended the mandatory minicamp three months ago but did no on-field action, and then skipped all of training camp and the preseason.
HUFANGA SETBACK?
Safety Talanoa Hufanga was not seen on the practice field during the media’s 30-minute access window before team drills. Hufanga has been coping with a Baker cyst behind one of his knees for the past few weeks. He said Monday he was feeling good after returning to practice, adding: “It happened in camp, been playing through it for a few weeks, then decided (last week) I needed to take a look at it.”
Huganga was limited Wednesday, as was fellow starting safety Tashaun Gipson Sr., who’s been dealing with a back issue but practiced Thursday.
Tight end George Kittle (groin), kicker Jake Moody (quadriceps) and return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist) were among those practicing and look on track to play Sunday. Returning after sitting out Wednesday’s session were left tackle Trent Williams (rest) and backup center Jon Feliciano (illness).
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