Defensive tackle Alfred Collins just tore his patellar tendon, an injury that guts his 2026 season before it even had a chance to kick off. This is absolutely brutal news, marking another season-ending blow for the San Francisco 49ers before they’ve even played a down, and it leaves a huge hole right in their defensive line.
The Early Season Gut Punch
Collins suffered the tear on Monday, confirmed by Kyle Shanahan, and he’s now out for the entire season. Think about that: the guy was looking to build consistency in his second pro season after flashing potential in 2025, and now he’s sidelined before September even really gets going. We’re talking about a serious injury here. Remember Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, another guy over 300 pounds who suffered a torn patellar tendon? He missed the entire 2025 regular season with a 10 to 12 month recovery. Slater just made it back for OTAs in June. Collins is looking at a similar path, hoping to be ready for training camp in 2027.
What’s even wilder is Collins isn’t alone. This is the second player from their 2025 draft class that the 49ers are waving goodbye to for the year. Ricky Pearsall’s season was already over in August after he needed surgery for his PCL. Two young guys, from the same draft class, both done before the regular season even starts? You can’t make this stuff up.
Who Steps Up Now?
So, who fills the void? The spot next to Osa Odighizuwa, who’s still holding things down, just got a whole lot more ambiguous. They’ve got CJ West, Gracen Halton, and James Thompson Jr. on the depth chart. But get this: Thompson hasn’t even been practicing. That doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, does it? With two significant injuries hitting them this hard and this early, a practice squad call-up feels like it’s definitely in the cards. They’re going to need bodies, and fast, especially at a crucial position like defensive tackle.
Collins’ absence is a real blow, especially when you remember plays like last year, when he helped stonewall the Rams on the goal line in a game the 49ers weren’t expected to win. Those kind of impact plays will be sorely missed. The 49ers are currently in Melbourne, Australia, prepping to face off against the Los Angeles Rams. They’re kicking off their season thousands of miles from home, missing two key young pieces from their 2025 draft class. It means the “next man up” mantra isn’t just a cliché anymore; it’s their entire game plan for the defensive line. Let’s see how they patch things together before kickoff against the Rams.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply