Amidst one of his most dominant performances of the season, 49ers rookie sensation Nick Bosa picked up an unnecessary roughness penalty Saturday for his hit on Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill during Richard Sherman’s third-quarter interception return.
O’Neill left the game and was evaluated for a concussion after the play. Then, following the Vikings' 27-10 divisional-round playoff defeat, coach Mike Zimmer expressed frustration regarding Bosa's hit.
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"I didn't see the hit," Zimmer told reporters (h/t NFL.com). "I just heard them say it was a cheap shot, which I think it was."
Minnesota’s locker room reportedly had a strong reaction to the play, as O’Neill couldn't return to the game.
[RELATED: Bosa easily sums up 49ers' defensive dominance vs. Vikings]
The Vikings’ offensive line already was having an incredibly difficult time combating the 49ers’ overpowering front seven, but O’Neill’s departure certainly didn’t make it easier.
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Bosa might face a hefty fine from the NFL in the coming week, but regardless, the 49ers roll on to the NFC Championship Game, where they’ll await the winner of Sunday's divisional-round game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks.