The San Francisco 49ers have added veteran defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo to their active roster, elevating him from the practice squad ahead of their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. The move comes in response to a season-ending injury to projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins, who tore his patellar tendon during practice. Collins has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the remainder of the season.
Okoronkwo, 31, brings 17 career sacks to the 49ers' defensive line. His most productive season came in 2022 with the Houston Texans, where he recorded five sacks and 44 tackles. Last season, Okoronkwo appeared in only four games for the Philadelphia Eagles, logging no tackles or sacks. The 49ers are banking on his familiarity with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, under whom Okoronkwo played his first four seasons with the Rams, to help him contribute.
While Collins played on the interior of the defensive line, Okoronkwo primarily rushes from the edge. C.J. West or Gracen Halton are more likely to see increased snaps at the interior tackle position alongside Osa Odighizuwa. Okoronkwo's addition provides depth at outside rusher, a position also impacted by Sam Okuayinonu's broken foot and Nick Bosa's recovery from ACL surgery.
The 49ers' defensive line struggled in 2025, combining for only 18 sacks, the fewest in the league, with a pressure rate that ranked fourth-worst. The tackles on the unit produced just 2.5 sacks.
In addition to Okoronkwo, the 49ers also elevated wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, providing depth at that position and experience on special teams. Hodge caught three passes for 31 yards with the Atlanta Falcons last season. Like Okoronkwo, Hodge began his NFL career with the Rams in 2018.
Both Okoronkwo and Hodge are eligible to play against the Rams. The team is looking to these experienced players to help manage the defensive front while it reorganizes around Collins' significant loss.