The 49ers are heading into the season with a problem they can’t hide anymore: the pass rush is thin, and it’s already showing.
That’s the harsh reality after Sam Okuayinonu landed on Injured Reserve, a move that immediately cuts into San Francisco’s depth at defensive end. Raheem Morris had recently spoken highly of Okuayinonu’s talent, and he looked like someone who could give the defense real help. Instead, he’ll miss at least the first four games, and the 49ers had to bring in Khalid Kareem just to patch the hole.
But Okuayinonu’s injury is only part of the issue. The bigger problem is how little the 49ers did to address the position this offseason.
They didn’t bring in any notable help at defensive end. Osa Odighizuwa was added, but he’s an interior player, not an edge answer.
Their main offseason addition at the spot was Romello Height, and he’s been dealing with an ankle injury for the past couple of weeks. Even before that, he hadn’t shown much in preseason action.
At this point, he looks like a project.
That’s a risky place to be for a team that finished with the fewest sacks in the league last season at 20. The 49ers seemed to bet heavily on health and upside rather than proven production, banking on Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams and a rookie to carry the load. As the source material puts it, that’s a lot of faith to place in two players returning from ACL injuries and one first-year defender.
Bosa’s own status has only added to the unease. He was just getting back to practice on Sept. 2 after dealing with tendinitis and soreness in his surgically repaired knee, and only after that session did he sound confident about being ready for Week 1 against the Rams. Even then, there’s no guarantee his knee won’t become an issue again during the season.
Williams is another unknown. There’s no clear timetable for his return, and even when he’s back, the expectation is not that he’ll suddenly solve everything.
He wasn’t overwhelming before the injury, and his best work came rushing inside. There’s still development ahead for him.
So where does that leave the defense? In a tough spot.
The 49ers may have to lean on the secondary, with the cornerbacks appearing to be a strength. The safeties, though, are a major concern.
That’s why the possibility remains that this defense won’t look much better than it did last season, when Bosa and Fred Warner were both lost. Without a reliable pass rush, the whole unit has a much narrower margin for error.
Maybe Thursday brings a surprise. Right now, though, the 49ers are already paying the price for not doing more at defensive end.
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The timing of the move matters just as much as the reunion itself. San Francisco had a need for more depth after Ricky Pearsalls season-ending injury, and Samuel gives the roster a player who knows the system and can fill multiple roles without much transition time. The bigger question now is how much of that old versatility still translates into a meaningful place in the 49ers plans. [Read more 🡒]