San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins will miss the entire 2026 NFL season due to a torn patellar tendon sustained during a practice session in Australia. The injury occurred as the team prepared for its opening game against the Los Angeles Rams, as confirmed by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Shanahan expressed his disappointment, stating, "Alfred tore his patellar tendon yesterday. 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 expected to play a significant role in the team's defense this season, having been selected in the second round of the 2025 draft.
Last season, Collins participated in all 16 games, recording 17 tackles, a sack, two fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. His injury creates a gap on the right side of the defense, with Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr. anticipated to fill in for him.
Nick Bosa, who has also dealt with injuries, offered support to Collins, saying, "He just has to know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I told him I've been through it a few times, so he just needs to take it one day at a time."
The 49ers are already facing several injury challenges, with defensive linemen Andrew Farmer II, Mikail Kamara, and Sam Okuayinonu on the injury/reserve list. Additionally, linebackers Luke Gifford and Dre Greenlaw, along with cornerbacks Renardo Green and Upton Stout, are listed as injured.
