San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton underwent surgery after breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle against the Las Vegas Raiders. The encouraging news: He is expected to return for the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) in 2027.
Halton’s injury abruptly ended a promising rookie season. The update offers a more hopeful outlook for his recovery, although an expected return to OTAs does not guarantee he will be ready for full participation when the offseason program begins.
## Halton’s Injury Left 49ers Teammates Heartbroken
The injury occurred with about four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of San Francisco’s win over Las Vegas. Defensive end Keion White was pushed into Halton’s left leg, causing his ankle to buckle.
Medical personnel placed Halton’s leg in an air cast and helped him onto a cart. Teammates gathered around him as he left the field. Fellow Oklahoma product Trent Williams helped him to his feet.
Linebacker Fred Warner was visibly affected by the injury.
“I’m sick for him,” Warner told NBC Sports Bay Area after the game.
Warner also praised Halton’s energy and spirit, which had made an impact on the team during his first NFL season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed a similar sense of loss.
“We’re going to miss him a lot,” Shanahan said. “I know the guys love him, too. He’s an awesome guy.”
The reaction from his teammates reflected the respect Halton had earned in San Francisco, both on and off the field.
## Halton Made an Immediate Impact as a Rookie
A fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Halton appeared in eight games and started six before being placed on injured reserve on November 10. He recorded 15 tackles, two sacks, one pass defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
His touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks was one of the standout moments of his shortened rookie season. Halton also became an important contributor as injuries affected San Francisco’s defensive front.
Earlier in the week, Shanahan said he doubted Halton would return even if the 49ers made a deep postseason run. He remains out for the rest of the season, but the reported timeline suggests he could be back on the practice field during the team’s 2027 offseason program.
Halton still faces a substantial rehabilitation process, and his expected return for OTAs does not ensure he will be fully cleared to participate. Still, the outlook is brighter than the heartbreaking scene against Las Vegas. His rookie season is over, but his chance to build on it remains.
