The 49ers already knew they would be without defensive end Sam Okuayinonu for a substantial portion of the year after he broke his foot. Their defensive line suffered another blow Monday when one of their expected starters sustained a serious knee injury during practice.
49ers lose Alfred Collins for the season
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon during Monday’s training and will miss the entire 2026 season, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Collins, 24, was the No. 43 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and appeared in all 16 games as a rookie.
In his first NFL season, Collins recorded 17 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He was anticipated to play a larger role in his sophomore campaign, but the injury dramatically alters the early projections for the defensive line.
49ers face a major defensive line challenge
Collins’ injury narrows the frontline options just before the season kicks off. Osa Odighizuwa remains the most experienced defensive tackle on the depth chart, with CJ West and Gracen Halton likely to see expanded roles as the team prepares to face the Rams.
The 49ers are also contending with other front-line concerns. Mykel Williams, the club’s 2025 first-round pick, remains on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, and Nick Bosa is returning from a torn ACL. These factors will force San Francisco to adapt its defensive line strategy ahead of Friday’s opener, with Collins’ absence leaving a notable void before he had a chance to build on his rookie year.
