Buckner, Bosa Fuel 49Ers’ Defensive Surge in Reunion Game

WHO:

ABC News - The San Francisco 49ers’ defensive additions were defensive end Nick Bosa, returning after a calf injury, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, reacquired from the Indianapolis Colts.

ABC News - Linebacker Fred Warner said Bosa and Buckner are “two super disruptive players” who “free[] up a lot of things for the rest of the defense.”

ABC News - The 49ers’ takeaways included a pick-six by rookie Jaden Dugger; Warner forced and recovered a fumble; Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha recorded interceptions.

ABC News - Jordan Watkins had four catches for 86 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown, while Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel were sidelined. Quarterback Brock Purdy praised Watkins’ work and said, “If he's got a one-on-one matchup, I'm not going to shy it down.”

ABC News - Defensive tackle Gracen Halton broke his ankle and will miss the rest of the season. Green (back) and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (foot) left with injuries described as not serious.

NY Post - DeForest Buckner said he “felt the love” upon returning to the 49ers.

Heavy NFL - The article reported that the 49ers had Nick Bosa back and had added Buckner, and said a trade request out of New York could give the team another way to upgrade before the deadline; it did not identify the player.

WHAT:

ABC News - San Francisco defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 38-17. The 49ers (7-1) recorded five takeaways, all in the second half, ending the game with takeaways on the Raiders’ final four drives.

ABC News - The five takeaways were the 49ers’ first five-takeaway game in nearly 12 years and first since Nov. 16, 2014, against the Giants.

ABC News - San Francisco limited Las Vegas to 24 rushing yards, its lowest allowed total since giving up 17 yards to Atlanta on Nov. 8, 2015.

ABC News - Buckner recorded two quarterback hits. He had been traded to Indianapolis after the 2019 season and was acquired back from the Colts for a fourth-round draft pick.

ABC News - Las Vegas tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer combined for 10 catches and 148 yards, the second-most yards the 49ers had allowed to opposing tight ends in 19 seasons.

ABC News - Watkins had seven catches for 142 yards over his previous two games; before that stretch, the 2025 fourth-round pick had five career catches for 82 yards.

ABC News - San Francisco allowed Dylan Laube a 54-yard kickoff return. The team had the NFL’s fourth-highest kick-return average allowed (27.8 yards) and sixth-worst average starting field position after kickoffs (32).

ABC News - Christian McCaffrey recorded his 18th career game with at least one rushing and one receiving touchdown, extending his record; Marshall Faulk was second with 15.

WHERE:

ABC News - The game was played in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers’ next opponent was Dallas.

WHY:

ABC News - The article said Bosa and Buckner’s presence helped San Francisco produce the defensive performance it would need for a playoff run; Bosa said, “It's great to have (Buckner) back and we have the guys to do it.”

HOW:

ABC News - Bosa returned after missing five games because of a calf injury. Buckner played his first game for San Francisco since the Super Bowl following the 2019 season, after being reacquired from Indianapolis.

NY Post - The 49ers held suspense over whether Buckner would play or start in his first game after being reacquired.

(UPDATED November 9, 2026 19:08 UTC)

San Francisco defeated Las Vegas 38 to 17, forcing five second-half takeaways. Nick Bosa returned, while reacquired DeForest Buckner bolstered the defense. Jordan Watkins caught a touchdown as the 49ers strengthened their season record.