49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu misses team flight to Australia

6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 8:00 AM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu misses team flight to Australia
Summary

The San Francisco 49ers departed for Melbourne on Wednesday without defensive end Sam Okuayinonu. The team currently lists Okuayinonu as questionable for next week's game against the Rams due to a foot injury. While he was absent from the team flight, the organization has not ruled out the possibility of him traveling to Australia separately if he responds to ongoing treatment. The 49ers are arriving in Australia a full week ahead of schedule to adjust to the time difference. Other key players, including tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa, were present on the flight and are expected to be available for the season opener. Unlike the 49ers, the Rams plan to arrive in Australia only one day before the game.

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Status Watch
  • •Sam Okuayinonu remained behind while the 49ers departed for Australia on Wednesday.
  • •The 49ers list Okuayinonu as questionable for the game against the Rams.
  • •Treatment in the coming days will determine if Okuayinonu joins the team later.
  • •George Kittle and Nick Bosa traveled with the team and appear ready for Week One.
Latest Updates
  • 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers' Sam Okuayinonu has "bad injury" to his foot, hopes to play by end of season
  • 8:25 PMYahoo Sports — 49ers place DE Sam Okuayinonu on IR
  • 9:31 PMYahoo Sports — 49ers Lose Sam Okuayinonu for Week 1 vs. Rams After Foot Injury Downgrade
  • 11:36 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers announce defensive end Sam Okuayinonu will not play Thursday vs. Rams
  • 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — 49ers pass rush takes another hit as starter listed as questionable with a foot injury
  • 9:18 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers DE Sam Okuayinonu not on team flight to Australia, questionable with foot injury
What they're saying
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The San Francisco 49ers will enter Week 1 without an important piece of their defensive line. Defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu has been ruled out against the Los Angeles Rams. Okuayinonu, who registered 39 tackles, 23 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble in 15 games, was initially listed as questionable […] The post 49ers Lose Sam Okuayinonu for Week 1 vs. Rams After Foot Injury Downgrade appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.

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When 49ers defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu hurt his foot in the final practice before the team flight to Australia, there was hope that he could make a later flight and still play in the opener.

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49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu won't play against the Rams on Thursday and he will miss at least three more games as well.

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