This setback represents a significant blow for San Francisco. Collins had been listed as a starter on the 49ers’ initial depth chart and was entering his second NFL season after appearing in 16 games as a rookie. He played a pivotal role last year, delivering a memorable moment in the 26-23 overtime win over the Rams by forcing a goal-line fumble. That play helped swing a key matchup in San Francisco’s favor and underscored Collins’ potential as a disruptive interior presence.
With Collins out, the 49ers will open the season short-handed along the defensive front. The team had already announced the placement of Sam Okuayinonu on injured reserve after a broken foot, further thinning interior depth. Okuayinonu started 12 games last season, recording 39 tackles and three sacks. The remaining interior options for San Francisco include Osa Odighizuwa, C.J. West, and rookie Gracen Halton. The depth chart previously paired Collins with Odighizuwa, with West and Halton behind them.
This situation creates a clear early opportunity for the Rams to test the middle of the 49ers’ defense. Last season, Los Angeles leaned heavily on run plays by Kyren Williams, and in the prior meeting with San Francisco at SoFi Stadium, the Rams managed just 78 rushing yards on 16 attempts. A stiffer interior push could help the Rams maintain balance on offense and better protect quarterback Matthew Stafford against a potent pass rush led by Nick Bosa and teammates.
San Francisco, for its part, still has advantages heading into the opener. Bosa is expected to be ready to play, and the 49ers have spent additional time acclimating in Australia ahead of the historic international kickoff. Nonetheless, losing Collins so close to kickoff marks a significant shift for the matchup, especially for a Rams team that has seen him influence crucial moments in last year’s rivalry.
In summary, the Rams will enter the season with a chance to exploit the 49ers’ thinner interior front, while San Francisco addresses new personnel gaps created by Collins’ injury and Okuayinonu’s IR designation. The level of disruption Collins’ absence causes will be tested early as teams begin what promises to be another tightly contested series in the NFC West.
