Kyle Shanahan hopes Nick Bosa can return from his calf injury against the Commanders

Nick Bosa still has a shot at Monday night. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday he is hoping the star defensive end can play against the Washington Commanders even though Bosa did not practice.

Three games and counting

Bosa has missed the past three games with a calf injury. He told reporters late last week that a Week 6 return was "pretty darn likely." Shanahan sounded cautiously optimistic on Thursday but said Bosa was not ready to practice yet.

"Hoping he can go (on Monday), but not able to practice today," Shanahan said. The 49ers have an extra day to decide because they play on Monday Night Football in Santa Clara.

How they will decide

Shanahan said the call is about whether Bosa is fully recovered and what the risk of re-injury looks like. He dismissed the idea that the calf would need season-long management saying calves usually heal and they are usually good.

Feedback from Bosa and the medical staff will drive the final call.

More injury headaches around him

The 49ers were without several other pieces at practice Thursday. Wide receiver Mike Evans sat with ribs and Achilles soreness after playing through a painful rib injury the past two weeks. Deebo Samuel (hamstring) also did not practice and Shanahan said injured reserve remains a possibility though the team's bye is one reason they are waiting.

Christian Kirk began his 21-day practice window after a long calf recovery. Kyle Juszczyk was limited with a knee issue. Washington arrives at 1-3-1 after last week's overtime tie with the Giants so San Francisco wants its best pass rush available.