NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit.
The San Francisco 49ers are days away from opening the 2026 season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. The matchup will be the first regular-season NFL game played in Australia, but San Francisco has spent the week dealing with injuries before the historic opener.
The 49ers already knew they would be without defensive end Sam Okuayinonu for a significant portion of the season after he suffered a broken foot. Their defensive line took another hit, with one of their expected starters suffering a serious knee injury during practice.
MORE: Rams fans to wait at least 2 weeks before Aaron Donald’s return
49ers lose Alfred Collins for the season
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon during Tuesday’s practice and will miss the entire 2026 season, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Wednesday morning. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the injury.
Collins was expected to start alongside veteran defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The 24-year-old was selected by San Francisco with the No. 43 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and appeared in all 16 games as a rookie.
49ers DT Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon at Monday’s practice and is out for the season, per HC Kyle Shanahan.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2026
Collins recorded 17 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries last season. He was expected to take on a larger role in his second NFL season.
49ers face major defensive line problem
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan speaks at a press conference ahead of the first NFL game in Australia
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan speaks at a press conference ahead of the first NFL game in Australia. REUTERS/Ian Ransom Credit: REUTERS (Reuters)
Collins’ injury leaves San Francisco with fewer options up front just before the season begins. Odighizuwa remains the most experienced option at defensive tackle, while CJ West and Gracen Halton could see expanded roles against the Rams.
The 49ers are also dealing with other issues along the defensive front. Mykel Williams, the team’s 2025 first-round pick, remains on the reserve/PUP list, while Nick Bosa is returning from a torn ACL.
San Francisco will now have to adjust its defensive line before Friday’s opener. Collins’ season is already over before he gets the chance to build on his rookie campaign.