San Francisco 49ers rule Sam Okuayinonu out for NFL season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 10:33 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

The San Francisco 49ers officially ruled defensive end Sam Okuayinonu out for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Okuayinonu, who was initially listed as questionable due to a foot injury, did not travel to Melbourne, Australia, with the rest of the team on Thursday. His absence creates a void on the defensive line, as he was expected to start opposite Nick Bosa. The team currently manages thin depth at the position, with Bosa also dealing with knee tendinitis following ACL surgery. Keion White is the projected starter in Okuayinonu's place, while rookie Romello Height remains sidelined by an ankle injury. Given the roster constraints, the 49ers are expected to elevate Ogbo Okoronkwo from the practice squad to the gameday roster.
- •Sam Okuayinonu will not play in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
- •The 49ers downgraded Okuayinonu to out after he failed to travel to Australia.
- •Keion White is expected to start at defensive end in Okuayinonu's absence.
- •Nick Bosa continues to manage knee tendinitis during the lead-up to the season.
- •Ogbo Okoronkwo is likely to be elevated from the practice squad for the game.
- 10:33 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers’ depth at key spot takes hit as likely starter ruled out for Week 1
"The 49ers’ dire situation at defensive end just got even worse.
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