49ers make Nick Bosa NFL's richest defensive player ever.
Nick Bosa signs $170 million extension, Joe Burrow on track to play in opener, Travis Kelce questionable, Chandler Jones' status uncertain.
ESPN has reported that Nick Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers' defensive end, has signed a lucrative contract extension worth $170 million over five seasons, with $122.5 million guaranteed. This deal surpasses the previous records set by Aaron Donald and Joey Bosa. Nick Bosa's exceptional performance since being drafted second overall in 2019 has earned him this significant contract. In the previous season, he led the league with 18½ sacks and was voted the top defensive player in the NFL.
In other news, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has returned to full speed in practice and expects to play in the team's season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Burrow suffered a calf injury during the preseason but has made significant progress in his recovery. While he acknowledges that he may not be at his full potential due to missed practice time, Burrow feels confident and ready to compete.
The Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce, suffered a hyperextended knee during practice and was held out of the team's final workout before their season opener against the Detroit Lions. However, there is no ligament damage, and Kelce's status for the game remains questionable. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who have also dealt with knee injuries, are expected to be in the lineup for the Chiefs.
Defensive end Chandler Jones of the Las Vegas Raiders was absent from practice following his social media posts criticizing the team's management. His status for the season opener against the Denver Broncos is uncertain, and the situation is being described as "day to day" by Raiders coach Josh McDaniels. If Jones is unable to play, rookie Tyree Wilson will serve as the backup.
The Los Angeles Rams will be without wide receiver Cooper Kupp and backup quarterback Stetson Bennett for their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Kupp injured his hamstring during training camp and had a setback last week, while Bennett has a shoulder injury that will delay his NFL debut.
In other news, Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns returned to practice amid contract extension negotiations. Burns is seeking a long-term extension as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. However, his availability for the team's Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons is still uncertain.
Lastly, Carl Nassib, the NFL's first openly gay player to participate in a regular-season game, has announced his retirement. Nassib came out in 2021 while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders and spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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