The San Francisco 49ers’ first injury report of the season brought one notable new name into the mix: defensive tackle Alfred Collins, who showed up for the first time with a knee injury.
Christian McCaffrey, listed with tightness, and Mike Evans, listed with an adductor issue, were not on the report. But the 49ers still had plenty to monitor, with a long list of players working in limited fashion:
Edge Nick Bosa (knee)
DT Alfred Collins (knee)
LB Luke Gifford (hamstring)
CB Renardo Green (hamstring)
LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
DT Gracen Halton (ankle)
Edge Romello Height (ankle)
FB Kyle Juszczyk (finger)
TE George Kittle (Achilles)
It’s a crowded report, and it includes several starters and important pieces. The defensive line depth was already a concern, and the situation got thinner with James Thompson the only player who did not practice because of a hamstring injury. With Halton also banged up, that leaves Osa Odighizuwa and CJ West as the only healthy defensive tackles.
Renardo Green’s status also didn’t sound especially encouraging after Raheem Morris addressed it.
“We’ll definitely see where he’s at. Obviously, we’ve seen Bosa before we left.
We got a chance to see him a little bit throughout the process. We’ll see more of him today, but Renardo’s kind of- I don’t want to say a step behind- but he’s right there in that mix.
We’ll get a chance to see him, watch him practice, and do some different things as well.”
If Green can’t go, that would point to Jack Jones starting at cornerback. Jones was a free agent in April.
There was at least one positive note in the secondary: Upton Stout practiced in full, even though he was listed with an Achilles designation.
On the Rams side, Myles Garrett did not participate because of a knee injury. A few other starters were also out, though not for injury reasons. Since this was only the first of three practice reports, the picture could still change as the week goes on.
In Other News...
Grant Cohn Is Somehow Becoming Part Of The 49ers Opener Story
The 49ers trip to Australia for their international opener against the Rams has produced the usual flood of game-week content, but one familiar Bay Area voice has become part of the conversation for a different reason. Grant Cohn, the veteran reporter known for his sharp criticism of San Francisco, has drawn attention overseas not for a practice note or matchup breakdown, but for the way he has documented the experience around the game.
His social media posts about local food and cultural stops have caught on with audiences well beyond the standard football crowd, turning a routine road assignment into something of a sideshow. Cohn has long been a polarizing figure around the 49ers because of his public clashes with players and the confrontational style he often brings to his coverage, and now even that reputation is being folded into a story that started with the opener itself. [Read more 🡒]
Deebo Samuels New Role Puts 49ers Rookie In Week 1 Spotlight
DeZhaun Stribling has quietly climbed into a meaningful spot on the 49ers preseason depth chart, and the timing could not be better for a team sorting through injuries and shifting roles at receiver before Week 1 against the Rams. The rookie has moved up enough to be considered for a significant offensive role, and the latest chart points to him lining up as a starting wideout alongside Mike Evans.
Deebo Samuels designation as the primary kick returner adds another layer to the picture, hinting at a reduced load on offense and opening the door for Stribling to see real early-season snaps. For a San Francisco passing game already adjusting on the fly, the rookies next chance may come right away, and it will be worth watching how quickly the staff leans into that opportunity. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Lose Another D Lineman As One Front Issue Grows
The 49ers defensive line took another hit Monday when Alfred Collins suffered a torn patellar tendon, an injury that will wipe out his entire season. Kyle Shanahan confirmed the setback, and it leaves San Francisco once again sorting through depth along the front, where availability has already been a recurring issue.
Collins had given the 49ers a young piece to build around in the middle of the defense, and now the focus shifts to patching the roster spot in the short term. Practice squad call-ups are among the options under consideration, while the longer view points to 2026 training camp if his recovery stays on track. [Read more 🡒]
