San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins is out for the 2026 NFL season after suffering a torn patellar tendon, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced. The injury occurred during practice at AAMI Park on Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia, where the 49ers were preparing for their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Alfred Collins Suffers Season-Ending Torn Patellar Tendon
Collins, a 24-year-old second-year player drafted in the second round in 2025 out of Texas, was expected to serve as a starting nose tackle and play extensively this season. During his rookie campaign, he appeared in 16 games with one start, recording 17 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defensed. He notably became a standout figure for the team in a short-handed overtime victory over the Rams last season by forcing and recovering a goal-line fumble by running back Kyren Williams.
Impact on the 49ers Defensive Line
The loss of Collins deals a significant blow to a 49ers defensive front that has faced mounting personnel challenges. Shanahan noted that the team lost two defensive linemen for the year after final roster cuts and before the first game, with defensive end Sam Okuayinonu also sidelined due to a foot injury that required an operation.
That was a big loss. We've lost two D-linemen pretty much for the year after cuts, before the first game, which is going to be a huge challenge. I'm hurting for Alfred. It's real unfortunate for him. Kyle
With the team stationed in Melbourne, the 49ers face logistical hurdles in adding external replacements on short notice. Shanahan remarked on the difficulty of flying in reinforcements from the United States, leaving the franchise to look at internal options to fill the roster spot.
Replacement Candidates and Roster Adjustments
To address the vacancy on the interior line alongside Osa Odighizuwa, the team evaluated several depth and practice squad options. Second-year player C.J. West is a candidate to step up into a starting role. Meanwhile, the team’s practice squad features internal candidates Kevin Givens and Sebastian Valdez as primary elevation options to bolster the rotation ahead of Thursday’s matchup. Givens has logged significant experience with the franchise since joining in 2019, while Valdez enters his second year as an undrafted player.
Other members of the defensive front have also managed injuries ahead of the opener. Gracen Halton and Romello Height have dealt with ankle issues, and undrafted rookie James Thompson Jr. has worked through a hamstring strain.
Teammate Support and Veteran Returns
As Collins begins his recovery, he has received encouragement from teammates navigating similar career challenges. Defensive end Nick Bosa, who missed significant time last season due to a torn ACL in his right knee, spoke with Collins about the recovery process ahead.
He just has to know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel,
Bosa said. I told him I've been through it a few times, so he just needs to take it one day at a time.
While the defense absorbs the loss of Collins and Okuayinonu, the 49ers anticipate the return of veteran stars Bosa and tight end George Kittle for the opening game, though their exact snap counts will be managed closely by the coaching staff.
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