Alfred Collins to play crucial role for 49ers in 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins is poised to be a key player for the San Francisco 49ers as they head into the 2026 NFL season. Having played 16 games in his rookie year, Collins is expected to step up in light of injuries to the team's defensive line, particularly with notable absences like Kalia Davis and Jordan Elliott. With fellow players Mykel Williams and Nick Bosa also recovering from torn ACLs, Collins will be relied upon to anchor the interior of the defense alongside newcomer Osa Odighizuwa. Analysts have pointed to Collins' potential for improvement to bolster a run defense facing significant uncertainty.
- •Alfred Collins played 16 games as a rookie, starting one.
- •He recorded one sack, 17 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
- •Collins must replace absences in the defensive line, including Kalia Davis and Jordan Elliott.
- •Mykel Williams and Nick Bosa are both recovering from torn ACLs as the season begins.
- •Collins is expected to work with Osa Odighizuwa to stabilize the interior defense.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Who is the 49ers most important 2nd-year player?
"One NFL analyst believes Alfred Collins needs to establish himself as an important piece of the 49ers defensive front in 2026.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Jun 20, 2026, 6:36 PMCowboys fans should be rooting for the Commanders to sign Brandon Aiyuk for all the right reasons
- NFL•Jun 20, 2026, 6:26 PMMaxx Crosby trade rumours heat up as two NFC contenders show renewed interest
- NFL•Jun 20, 2026, 5:07 PMRams could have one glaring concern on offense in 2026
- NFL•Jun 20, 2026, 5:02 PMRams new OC is on the NFL fast track
- Football•Jun 20, 2026, 1:45 PMDwyane Wade opens up on the knee surgery that cost him his explosion
- NFL•Jun 20, 2026, 1:01 PMSeahawks News 6/20: Abe Lucas taking a step forward into his contract
