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The 49ers' Edge Rusher Room Will Be Even Thinner for a While
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- The 49ers' Edge Rusher Room Will Be Even Thinner for a While
If there is a definite weakness at one position group this season for the San Francisco 49ers , it is at the defensive end or edge rusher position group. Other than five-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa , who is working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 3 last season, they have no one who is proven or productive.
Perhaps the closest thing to another proven pass rusher they have is Sam Okuayinonu , who is going into his third season with them. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a foot injury a few days ago and didn't make the trip to Australia for this Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Rams .
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Now, it looks like he will be out for some time, based on what head coach Kyle Shanahan said about the nature of his injury.
Okuayinonu will require surgery
Jan 3, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Sam Okuayinonu (91) reacts after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Shanahan told reporters on Monday morning (Melbourne, Australia time) that Okuayinonu will have to undergo surgery.
"He had a plate in his foot a while ago," Shanahan said, per 49ers Webzone . "And on our bonus practice, the day we came, just stepped on it, and it broke. So, he's going to have to get surgery. It was a bad injury.
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"Hopefully, we can get him back later in the year, but it was a real tough loss. I hurt for Sam O, I hurt for our team, but hopefully, we can take care of business, and he can come back later in the year."
In both of his seasons with San Francisco , Okuayinonu recorded three sacks, seven quarterback hits and six tackles for loss apiece. He is on injured reserve and can return after missing a minimum of four games — if and when he is ready to return.
The Niners will have to lean more heavily on their young prospects at the defensive end position. Unfortunately, one of those prospects — Mykel Williams — is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of this season. He is still recovering from the torn ACL that prematurely ended his 2025 campaign.
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The hope is that rookie Romello Height, a third-round draft choice out of Texas Tech University, will turn into a reliable contributor and at least somewhat help buttress the Niners' depth at defensive end.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
