49ers turn to former Rams defender after devastating injury blow

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49ers turn to former Rams defender after devastating injury blow

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) escapes a tackle attempt by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ogbo Okoronkwo (59), Image 2 shows The 49ers adjust after Alfred Collins' season-ending injury before facing the Rams, with a familiar veteran positioned to reinforce the defense — An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) escapes a tackle attempt by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ogbo Okoronkwo (59), Image 2 shows The 49ers adjust after Alfred Collins’ season-ending injury before facing the Rams, with a familiar veteran positioned to reinforce the defense

Ryan Anderson · NY Post Sports

Thu, Sep 10, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The 49ers responded to the loss of a projected starting defensive tackle by elevating a former Rams pass rusher for their season opener.

San Francisco announced Thursday that Alfred Collins had been placed on injured reserve after tearing his patellar tendon during practice in Melbourne. The second-year defensive tackle will miss the remainder of the season.

The 49ers subsequently used standard practice-squad elevations on defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge , making both available against Los Angeles .

San Francisco 49ers' defensive tackle Alfred Collins attends a training session at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Monday, September 7, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

Okoronkwo provides immediate reinforcement for a battered defensive line. The 31-year-old has recorded 17 career sacks, with his best season coming in Houston in 2022, when he finished with five sacks and 44 tackles.

His recent production is less reassuring. Okoronkwo appeared for only four plays with Philadelphia last season and recorded no tackles, sacks or pressures. San Francisco is betting that familiarity can help him provide more. He spent his first four seasons with the Rams and played under current 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

The timing makes Okoronkwo look like Collins' replacement, although it is not a one-for-one move. Collins played inside, while the 6-foot-2, 253-pound Okoronkwo primarily rushes from the edge.

CJ West or Gracen Halton is more likely to absorb Collins' interior snaps beside Osa Odighizuwa . Okoronkwo gives San Francisco another outside rusher while Sam Okuayinonu is sidelined with a broken foot and Nick Bosa returns from ACL surgery .

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) escapes a tackle attempt by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ogbo Okoronkwo (59) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Las Vegas. AP Photo/David Becker

That matters for a defensive line attempting to correct its biggest 2025 weakness. San Francisco's ends and tackles combined for only 18 sacks, the fewest by any defensive-line group. Their 8.87 percent pressure rate ranked fourth-worst, while the tackles produced just 2.5 sacks.

Hodge offers receiving depth and special-teams experience after catching three passes for 31 yards with Atlanta last season. Like Okoronkwo, he began his NFL career with the Rams in 2018.

The 49ers cannot replace Collins through one temporary elevation. They can ask two former Rams to help beat their old team while the defensive front reorganizes around another major loss.

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