San Francisco, CA – Just three days after Nick Bosa, a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense, was sidelined with a severe ACL injury, head coach Kyle Shanahan has openly expressed his desire to reunite with a former pupil who was once a symbol of the team’s defense. This move is seen as a timely remedy to fill the massive void left by Bosa, while reigniting the legendary “next man up” spirit of the team.
The incident occurred on the evening of September 21, 2025, during a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. Nick Bosa, the younger brother of Chargers star Joey Bosa and one of the NFL’s top edge rushers, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the first half. This marks the second time he has endured this injury—first in 2019, which caused him to miss nearly his entire rookie season. Doctors have confirmed that Bosa will require surgery and will miss the entire 2025 season, with an expected recovery time of 9-12 months. “We’ve lost a true warrior,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said immediately after the game, his voice filled with regret. “Nick was the soul of our defense, and this injury is a huge shock. But we won’t stop—we’ll act immediately.”
Just 72 hours later, during an emergency press conference on September 24, 2025, Shanahan surprised the media and 49ers fans by openly expressing his desire to reunite with a former pupil who was once a symbol of the team’s defense. That player is DeForest Buckner, a former Pro Bowl defensive tackle who spent five seasons with the 49ers before moving to the Indianapolis Colts. Buckner, who recorded 28 sacks and 186 tackles during his time with the 49ers, played a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl run in 2019. With a Pro Bowl record spanning three appearances (2018, 2020, 2023), Buckner stands as a testament to his exceptional talent. “DeForest isn’t just an outstanding player; he’s part of our family,” Shanahan declared, his voice thick with emotion. “I coached him through the toughest years, from his days as a rookie to becoming a Pro Bowler. The moment I heard about Nick, my first thought was to bring DeForest back to the Bay Area. He understands our system, knows how to play in a 4-3 scheme, and, more importantly, he brings the stability we need right now. I want to reunite with my former pupil immediately—this is not the time to hesitate.”
Shanahan’s call appears to have been met with a swift response. According to insider sources, the 49ers are engaged in heated negotiations with the Colts to finalize a trade to bring Buckner back, though details regarding draft picks or salary compensation remain undisclosed. Now 32, Buckner has amassed 50.5 sacks and 352 tackles in his career, with his first five seasons at 49ers leaving a lasting mark. His departure in 2020 to sign with the Colts had left fans disappointed, but his potential return is now poised to “rekindle the energy” at Levi’s Stadium, as Shanahan described.
Bosa’s absence is not just a loss of talent—he led the team with 5 sacks in just three weeks—but also a mental challenge for a defense already reeling from injuries to Yetur Gross-Matos and Bryce Huff. Buckner, with his extensive experience and familiarity with the playbook of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (a former assistant under Shanahan), is expected to ease the pressure on the rookies and uphold the culture of “fighting to the last man.” “DeForest doesn’t just play football; he’s a leader,” Shanahan emphasized. “Bringing him back will help us maintain our competitive edge through January, rather than chasing lofty headlines.”
49ers fans have erupted on social media with the hashtag #BringBackBuckner, hailing this as “the trade of the year” amid the heated season. With a history of successful reunions under Shanahan (such as with Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams), this move further solidifies his reputation as a shrewd and loyal coach. Will Buckner be ready to take the field in the next game against the Los Angeles Rams? The answer may come soon, but one thing is clear: Shanahan has sent a firm message that the 49ers will not let Bosa’s injury define their season.
