The San Francisco 49ers will be without defensive end Sam Okuayinonu for their upcoming season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Initially listed as questionable due to a foot injury, Okuayinonu did not travel with the team to Melbourne, Australia, which indicated he would likely miss the game. The team has since confirmed that he has been downgraded to out.
Okuayinonu was expected to start at defensive end opposite Nick Bosa, but his absence is a setback for a position where the team has limited depth. Keion White is now favored to take over that starting role, while rookie Romello Height may also see significant playing time if he recovers from an ankle injury.
With Okuayinonu sidelined, the 49ers may elevate Ogbo Okoronkwo from the practice squad to the active roster. The team is already facing challenges at the defensive end position, as Bosa has been managing knee tendinitis following his ACL surgery. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious for the 49ers as they prepare for the start of the regular season.
