49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins sustains season-ending knee injury

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins will miss the entire 2026 season due to a torn patellar tendon. The injury occurred during a practice session this week in Melbourne, Australia, where the team is preparing for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the diagnosis on Wednesday. Collins, a 2025 second-round draft pick, recorded 17 tackles and one sack during his rookie campaign. The 49ers depth at the position is currently affected by other injury concerns, as James Thompson Jr. and Gracen Halton have recently dealt with hamstring and ankle issues, respectively. The organization may look to practice squad players Sebastian Valdez or Kevin Givens to bolster the defensive line for the upcoming game.

• 4:32 AMESPN — 49ers starting DT Collins tears patellar tendon in Australia, out for year
• 3:22 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers DT Alfred Collins is out for the season after injuring his knee in Melbourne, Shanahan says
• 3:11 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers lose promising defensive lineman for the year
• 3:11 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers lose DT Alfred Collins for the season with knee injury ahead of Rams opener in Australia
• 3:11 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers lose DT Alfred Collins for the season with torn patellar tendon ahead of opener in Australia
• 3:07 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers DT Alfred Collins out for season with knee injury