Collins suffered a torn patellar tendon during Tuesday’s practice session in Australia as the team prepared for its Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Alfred Collins works out during practice Tuesday, Sept.
8, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia, in preparation for an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams.(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)"Alfred tore his patellar tendon yesterday," Shanahan said.
"That was a big loss.We've lost two D-linemen pretty much for the year after (final roster) cuts and before the first game which has been a huge challenge.
I'm hurting for Alfred.It was real unfortunate for him."Collins was set to play a bigger role in the 49ers’ defense this season.San Francisco selected Collins in the second round of the 2025 draft out of Texas.
He appeared in 16 games for the 49ers last season, racking up 17 tackles, a sack, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups.The injury leaves a hole on the right side of the defense.Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr.
are expected to step up."He just has to know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel," Nick Bosa said of Collins."I told him I've been through it a few times, so he just needs to take it one day at a time.San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins warms up before an NFC Wild Card Round game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan.
11, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)The Collins injury is another one on the list for San Francisco.Bosa, who is expected to play Thursday against the Rams, is coming off a torn ACL.
He was listed on the injury report ahead of the Rams game along with Halton, Thompson and Romello Height.The team is already starting the season with defensive linemen Andrew Farmer II, Mikail Kamara and Sam Okuayinonu on the injury/reserve ...