49ers Lose Alfred Collins for 2026 Season After Torn Patellar Tendon in Australia Practice
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
49ers Lose Alfred Collins for 2026 Season After Torn Patellar Tendon in Australia Practice
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
Summary
Alfred Collins tore a patellar tendon in Tuesday’s practice in Melbourne, leaving San Francisco without a projected starting defensive tackle before Thursday’s opener against the Rams.
Kyle Shanahan called it a major blow, saying the 49ers have now lost two defensive linemen for nearly the entire year after final roster cuts and before Week 1.
Collins, a 2025 second-round pick out of Texas, played 16 games as a rookie and posted 17 tackles, 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 pass breakups.
Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr. are expected to absorb snaps, while Nick Bosa, George Kittle and several other defenders remain on the injury report ahead of the game.
The injury deepens a broader availability crisis for San Francisco, which already lost receiver Ricky Pearsall for the season earlier this summer.