The long wait is over, the San Francisco 49ers begin their regular season on Sunday, and have a difficult start on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

San Francisco has typically lofty expectations going into the season having at least reached the NFC Championship Game in three of the last four years.

And what is expected to be a tight battle with an improving Steelers team figures to be a good test of where the Niners are as they look to finally get over the hump in 2023.

San Francisco 49ers (0-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0)
Date: Sunday, Sept. 10
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Betting odds: 49ers (-2.5), Over/Under 41.5
How to watch on TV: Fox
Streaming: FuboTV, YouTube TV, NFL+, Network apps, etc.
Radio: KNBR 680 AM / 104.5 FM 810AM The Spread / SacTown Sports 1140AM

How much will Nick Bosa play?

That's the question on most people's lips pertaining to the 49ers after the reigning Defensive Player of the Year finally ended his holdout and signed a historic contract extension this week.

Bosa got only one team practice in prior to the game, but said he is prepared for a full workload and will have designs on replicating T.J. Watt's stunning performance for the Steelers two years ago in Buffalo days after ending his own contract impasse.

Will Charvarius Ward be available?

While tight end George Kittle is expected to play despite being listed as questionable with a groin injury, there is no word as yet on starting cornerback Charvarius Ward, whose presence is arguably as important as that of Bosa.

Ward has been dealing with a heel injury and would be a significant loss to a cornerback group that doesn't have much experience behind him. If he cannot go, Ambry Thomas would likely step in and start after a strong preseason from the former third-round pick.

3 Players to Watch

• QB Brock Purdy: This will be a substantial test of Purdy's ability to rediscover his 2022 form post-elbow surgery. Purdy looked sharp and poised in preseason, and he'll need to be exactly that if he is to successfully navigate the challenge posed by Pittsburgh's defense.
• OT Colton McKivitz: It's a baptism of fire for McKivitz, set to start at right tackle for the 49ers for the first time. He will matchup against 2021 Defensive Player of the Year Watt, and will need to vindicate San Francisco's faith in him right off the bat to prevent the offensive gameplan being derailed.
• DT Javon Hargrave: In a game where the secondary could be depleted, there will be an onus on the defensive front to hound Kenny Pickett. With Bosa potentially on a pitch count, there will be huge expectation on Hargarve to begin repaying his monster free agent contract and provide the interior disruption that was missing from the 49ers last year in an opener against the team that drafted him.

More 49ers news ahead of the game

• 49ers have most cap space in the NFL despite Nick Bosa's record extension
• 49ers keep intriguing reclamation project around after activating Nick Bosa

49ers wake up to good news for Week 1 game with Steelers

It’s a great way to start the day.

Featured Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports