San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon during practice in Melbourne, Australia, ending his 2026 season just days before the team’s opener against the Rams. The injury adds to the 49ers’ growing defensive line woes, with two starters now sidelined.
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins’ 2026 season ended abruptly on Tuesday when he tore his patellar tendon during practice in Melbourne, Australia, according to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. The injury, which will require surgery and a lengthy recovery, comes just three days before the 49ers’ season-opening game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Collins, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was expected to start as the team’s nose tackle alongside Osa Odighizuwa, but his absence leaves a critical gap in a defensive line already weakened by multiple injuries.
The Injury and Its Immediate Impact
Collins sustained the injury during defensive warmups at AAMI Park, with Shanahan confirming the severity of the tear on Wednesday. It was real unfortunate for him,
Shanahan said, echoing the sentiment of a team already reeling from multiple defensive line setbacks. The 24-year-old had been recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and missed portions of training camp, but his performance in 2025—including a game-saving fumble recovery against the Rams in overtime—had positioned him as a key rotational piece. His absence leaves the 49ers with limited options at defensive tackle, as starting end Sam Okuayinonu also faces a season-long recovery after fracturing his foot in a prior practice.
The 49ers’ depth chart at the position is now in question. Osa Odighizuwa remains the primary starter, but backup options include CJ West, Gracen Halton, and James Thompson Jr., all of whom have dealt with injuries this preseason. Thompson, who missed Tuesday’s practice with a hamstring strain, is “a possibility” for the opener but will be evaluated over the next 48 hours, Shanahan said. The team may also turn to practice squad players Sebastian Valdez and Kevin Givens, though neither has appeared in a regular-season game since 2023. Any D-lineman is a possibility, unless you can name some guys we can fly here real quick,
Shanahan quipped, hinting at the logistical challenges of preparing for a game in Australia.
Shanahan’s Comments and Team Reactions
Shanahan described the injury as a “big loss,” emphasizing the timing. We’ve lost two D-linemen pretty much for the year after (final roster) cuts, before the first game, which is going to be a huge challenge,
he said. The coach’s remarks reflect the 49ers’ broader struggles: defensive end Mykel Williams remains on the PUP list after an ACL tear, while rookie Mikail Kamara tore his ACL in training camp. Collins’ injury compounds these issues, leaving the team with a thin and inexperienced defensive line heading into their first game of the season.
Collins’ injury also raises questions about the 49ers’ long-term strategy. The team has been linked to a potential trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea, a move that could signal a lack of confidence in Collins’ development. This is an obvious short-term upgrade, but it diminishes the long-term possibility of Collins developing into a trusted asset,
one source noted. The 49ers’ interest in Vea, reported by SI.com, suggests they view Collins as a lower-tier option compared to veterans like Osa Odighizuwa and the potential acquisition of Vea.
Historical Context and Recovery Concerns
Collins joins a growing list of NFL players who have suffered season-ending patellar tendon injuries. In 2025, Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater missed the entire season after a similar injury, with a recovery timeline of 10 to 12 months. A 2025 study cited by Niners Nation found that 85.7% of athletes return from such injuries but often fail to replicate their pre-injury performance. For Collins, this means a difficult road back, particularly after missing significant time in 2025 due to shoulder surgery.
The 49ers’ medical staff will likely monitor Collins closely, but the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Shanahan acknowledged the challenge, saying, It’s real unfortunate for him.
I was preparing for the worst and glad we don’t have to see him this week,
Shanahan said, referring to Donald’s delayed comeback.
As the 49ers prepare for their opener, the focus shifts to how they will fill the void left by Collins. With limited depth and a challenging schedule, the team’s defensive line may be the weakest link in their bid to repeat as NFC champions. For Collins, the injury marks a setback in a career that had shown promise, but his recovery will be a key storyline for the 49ers in the months ahead.
