The San Francisco 49ers suffered a significant setback just before the start of the 2026 season. Alfred Collins will miss the entire season after suffering a torn patellar tendon during Tuesday's practice in Melbourne, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
The injury is another blow to a defensive line that had already lost defensive end Sam Okuayinonu to a foot fracture over the weekend. San Francisco will enter its matchup against the Los Angeles Rams with less defensive-line depth than expected.
What injury did Alfred Collins suffer?
Collins suffered a torn patellar tendon during the 49ers' practice in Australia. The severity of the injury will keep him out for the entire 2026 season.
The 24-year-old defensive tackle was selected by San Francisco in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and played in all 16 games as a rookie. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
His role was expected to increase during his second season, making the injury a direct blow to San Francisco's defensive plans.
San Francisco loses defensive-line depth
Collins' injury comes after Sam Okuayinonu suffered a foot fracture over the weekend and was also ruled out of the beginning of the season.
Shanahan acknowledged that losing two defensive linemen for essentially the entire season creates a major challenge for the team. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
San Francisco must now rely on players with less experience to take the snaps that had been expected for Collins and Okuayinonu.
Who will replace Collins?
The 49ers are primarily considering C.J. West and Gracen Halton to start alongside Osa Odighizuwa against the Rams.
West is already part of San Francisco's defensive-tackle group, while Halton is a young player who could receive significant responsibility immediately.
The situation will be particularly important because Los Angeles has an offense capable of attacking weaknesses inside the defensive line.
A major setback before facing the Rams
Collins' injury comes immediately before the historic matchup between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The teams will meet Thursday, Sept. 10, at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the first NFL regular-season game played in Australia. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
The Rams feature Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, meaning San Francisco will need discipline and an effective rotation in the middle of the defensive front.
The issue goes beyond the opener. Collins was projected to be an important part of the rotation throughout the season, forcing the 49ers to manage their defensive resources for months.
The 49ers defense faces an immediate test
San Francisco is also expecting important players such as Nick Bosa and George Kittle to return for the start of the season, but Collins' absence further reduces the team's margin for error.
The priority will be preventing injuries along the defensive line from changing the identity of a unit that needs to pressure quarterbacks and control the running game.
Alfred Collins is out for the 2026 season, forcing San Francisco to reorganize its defensive rotation immediately. The performances of C.J. West, Gracen Halton and Osa Odighizuwa will be especially important against the Rams.