From The San Francisco Standard · · 1m 50s
49ers Need Next Dee Ford After Bosa and Buckner Return
49ers reuniting Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner now seek rookie Romello Height to fill Dee Ford’s pass-rushing void.
In brief
49ers reuniting Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner now seek rookie Romello Height to fill Dee Ford’s pass-rushing void. The 49ers have Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner back, now relying on rookie Romello Height to replicate Dee Ford’s impact after Ford’s injury. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
49ers Reunite Bosa and Buckner
The 49ers have Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner back after trading for Buckner and returning Bosa from injury.
“Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner will play their first game together since the 2019 season.”
Rookie Height Steps Up
Rookie pass rusher Romello Height aims to provide the burst of speed the team has been missing since Dee Ford’s departure.
“Rookie pass rusher Romello Height thinks he can provide a burst of speed off the edge that the team has been missing since Ford’s departure.”
Kocurek’s Vision
Defensive-line coach Kris Kocurek wants Height to burn the edge like Dee Ford did in the 2019 season.
“You see this, Romello? This is what I need you to do: Burn the edge.”
Ford’s Impact
Dee Ford’s 2019 pass rush was dominant, holding Aaron Rodgers to his worst statistical performance.
“That season’s defense smothered most quarterbacks the team faced and even held Aaron Rodgers, who was still in his prime with the Green Bay Packers, to the worst statistical performance of his career.”
Bosa and Buckner’s Return
The 49ers reacquired Buckner via trade and returned Bosa from a calf strain to practice together.
“This was natural tape for Kocurek to show his group in 2026, especially because the 49ers just reacquired buckner via trade and returned him and bosa, who’s been out with a calf strain, to practice on the same day this week.”
Height’s Inspiration
Height, who played at four colleges including Ford’s alma mater, sees Ford’s get-off as similar to his own game style.
“The way Dee Ford got off the ball. His feet were so rapid. His get-off reminded me of myself so much. His bend. Me and him have the same game, in a way.”
Pass Rush Decline
The 49ers’ pass rush fell off after Ford’s injury and has never fully recovered to 2019 levels.
“The 49ers’ pass rush fell off after Ford was injured. It has never truly reapproached its peak 2019 form.”
Buckner’s Role
Buckner, a 32-year-old veteran, is working with young linemen to build the team’s defensive line.
“Buckner has arrived at the 49ers’ facility to begin working out at 5:30 a.m. daily.”
Height’s New Routine
Height has adopted Buckner’s early morning routine to improve his pass-rushing performance.
“My new routine is 5:30. He motivated me. Things like that are just motivation to the young guys.”
Bosa’s Perspective
Bosa, who played only one season with Buckner, calls their reunion a full-circle moment.
“This would make a good documentary. The last game I played with him was the Super Bowl. And it feels like my rookie year was more than one year of my career, just because of how impactful it was on me.”
Team’s Strategy
The 49ers aim to replicate their 2019 defensive success with Height filling Ford’s role.
“Seems like we’re pretty stacked. Height, playing ford’s role, might bind it all together.”
What’s Next
The 49ers face the Las Vegas Raiders in a game where their new defensive line could shine.
“It’s critical off the edge, because the quarterback is going to step up a lot.”
The one thing
The 49ers have Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner back, now relying on rookie Romello Height to replicate Dee Ford’s impact after Ford’s injury.
