The 49ers are hopeful they will get Nick Bosa signed to a contract extension and back on the practice field in time for their Week 1 game with the Steelers.

If they do, head coach Kyle Shanahan will be forced to make a decision he has never faced before.

Should he indeed finally end his contract holdout and sign what will likely be an historic extension in the coming days, Bosa will go into the opener on the back of just one week of practice.

Speaking to KNBR (h/t 49ers Webzone), Shanahan was asked if there was any date of return for Bosa that would make him uncomfortable putting the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on the field in Pittsburgh.

He replied:

"I've never had to make that decision before, and I won't make that until I see him. I mean, I'm gonna do everything I can [to see] that he plays against Pittsburgh, but I can't make that decision until you see a guy, you see him out there. Hopefully, we get a chance to get him into practice next week, and if he is, that'll make it a much easier decision for us."

The 49ers have been adamant throughout the process that they want to keep negotiations with Bosa's camp confidential. However, general manager John Lynch has reassured that they remain in communication with Bosa and his representatives.

It is at least a small positive that talks between the two sides have not broken down. There is a consistent dialogue but that dialogue needs to result in a positive conclusion sooner rather than later to make Shanahan's life significantly easier.

49ers left crossing their fingers over George Kittle’s Week 1 status

He’s once again dealing with an injury.

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