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Two roster moves and one IR placement shape 49ers lineup for Australia

The San Francisco 49ers finalized their roster by elevating two players and placing a second-round pick on injured reserve.

Briar Keller

September 11, 20261 min read

The San Francisco 49ers have completed their final roster adjustments ahead of the 2026 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. The team officially placed second-round pick Alfred Collins on the season-ending Injured Reserve List. Collins had been expected to play a significant role in defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’s scheme, but a shoulder issue sidelined him during the initial phase of training camp.

A subsequent patellar tendon injury ended his season before he could regain full confidence or playing time.

To fill the resulting gap on the defensive line, the 49ers elevated defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo from the practice squad. He will wear jersey number 59. Okoronkwo brings experience facing Sean McVay’s offense, having practiced against it during his first three years in the league.

He also shares a connection with Morris from their time together with the Rams. Okoronkwo is the only defensive lineman elevated from the practice squad, while Sebastian Valdez and Kevin Givens remain on the list. The team appears comfortable with its current rotation, which may allow star pass rusher Nick Bosa to play closer to 70 percent of snaps rather than a lighter load.

On offense, the 49ers also elevated wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge from the practice squad. He will wear number 86. Hodge was originally drafted by the Rams in 2018 and spent time with the Falcons from 2022 through 2025.

Last season, he appeared on five special teams units, recording six tackles across 219 snaps while missing five games due to injury. The team also noted that George Kittle and Nick Bosa have no injury designations for the upcoming game.

Source: Niners Nation.

Sources

https://www.ninersnation.com/san-francisco-49ers-news/162452/49ers-elevate-ogbo-okoronkwo-and-a-receiver-from-the-practice-squad

https://pleasantonca.city/article/pleasanton-sports-49ers-elevate-ogbo-okoronkwo-and-a-receiver-from-the-practice-squad

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Briar Keller

Briar Keller covers Saratoga high school and area college sports.

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