The San Francisco 49ers will be without defensive tackle Alfred Collins for the entire 2026 NFL season after he suffered a torn patellar tendon during practice in Australia. This injury was confirmed by head coach Kyle Shanahan as the team prepares for its opening game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Shanahan expressed his disappointment, noting the significant loss of Collins, who was expected to contribute greatly to the team's defense this season after being drafted in the second round in 2025. Last year, Collins played in all 16 games, achieving 17 tackles, one sack, two fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. With Collins sidelined, Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr. are expected to step in.
Support for Collins came from teammate Nick Bosa, who emphasized the importance of perseverance during recovery. The 49ers are already grappling with multiple injury challenges, as defensive linemen Andrew Farmer II, Mikail Kamara, and Sam Okuayinonu are on the injury/reserve list. Additionally, several other key players, including linebackers and wide receivers, are also injured.
Despite these setbacks, Shanahan remains optimistic about the availability of tight end George Kittle and Bosa for the upcoming game against the Rams, which is set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.