The San Francisco 49ers have placed EDGE rusher Sam Okuayinonu on injured reserve, which will keep him out for at least the next four games. This decision comes as the team prepares for their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Okuayinonu's injury, a foot issue sustained on Wednesday, prevented him from traveling with the team to Melbourne, Australia. His earliest return is expected in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks.
In light of Okuayinonu's absence, the 49ers currently have only three active EDGE rushers: Nick Bosa, Romello Height, and Keion White. Bosa has recently returned to full practice after recovering from an ACL tear and knee tendinitis, while Mykel Williams is on the PUP list due to an ACL tear and meniscus damage, sidelining him for at least the first month of the season.
To bolster their roster, the 49ers signed veteran defensive lineman Khalid Kareem to a one-year deal. Kareem, who previously played for the Atlanta Falcons, reunites with the team's defensive coordinator. During his time in Atlanta, he recorded 11 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit over six appearances since 2024.
