San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins sustained a torn patellar tendon during a practice session in Australia, an injury that will sideline him for the entire 2026 NFL season. The team was preparing for its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams when the injury occurred.
"Alfred tore his patellar tendon yesterday," head coach Kyle Shanahan announced. "That was a big loss. We've lost two D-linemen pretty much for the year after (final roster) cuts and before the first game which has been a huge challenge. I'm hurting for Alfred. It was real unfortunate for him."
Collins, a second-round pick by the 49ers in the 2025 draft out of Texas, was expected to be a starter in his second NFL season. Last season, he played in 16 games, recording 17 tackles, one sack, two fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. His absence creates a void on the right side of the defensive line, with Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr. anticipated to increase their roles.
"He just has to know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel," teammate Nick Bosa said of Collins. "I told him I've been through it a few times, so he just needs to take it one day at a time."
Collins' injury adds to a growing list of defensive setbacks for the 49ers. Nick Bosa is returning from a torn ACL and was listed on the injury report along with Halton, Thompson, and Romello Height. Furthermore, defensive linemen Andrew Farmer II, Mikail Kamara, and Sam Okuayinonu are already on the injury/reserve list.
The defensive struggles extend to other positions as well, with linebackers Luke Gifford and Dre Greenlaw, and cornerbacks Renardo Green and Upton Stout also appearing on the injury report. Offensive players George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk are also dealing with injuries, and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was lost for the season earlier in the summer.
Despite the mounting injuries, Shanahan expressed optimism regarding the availability of Kittle and Bosa for the Rams game, though he emphasized the need for careful management of their usage. The 49ers are scheduled to face the Rams on Thursday night at 8:35 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcast on Netflix from the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.