The San Francisco 49ers were already thin in the outside edge-rushing department, and that would've been with a full crop of healthy players.
With Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia looming, the Niners are going to be even thinner.
Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, part of San Francisco's defensive end rotation, has already been ruled out for Week 1 because of a recent foot injury suffered in practice. Ironically, Okuayinonu is possibly the only 49ers player to have previously traveled to Australia, and while that knowledge might've been passed along already, the Niners defense will unquestionably be worse without him.
It's not good news for a pass-rushing corps that already had major question marks entering the season.
49ers losing Sam Okuayinonu ahead of Rams game is bad, bad news
Okuayinonu has been an integral part of San Francisco's depth over the last two seasons, notching three sacks apiece in 2024 and 2025. Amid injuries to the 49ers D-line last year, the 28-year-old pro ended up starting 12 games.
Sure, he might not be that big of a needle-mover, in terms of the defense's overall effectiveness. But his ability to spell starters and take snaps is nevertheless crucial.
The Niners are already shorthanded, without second-year pro Mykel Williams, who is still working his way back from a 2025 ACL tear. Likewise, star defensive end Nick Bosa only recently returned to practice after experiencing some obstacles over summer in the wake of his own ACL tear last season.
Bosa's questionable impact, combined with the absences of both Williams and now Okuayinonu, ultimately force coordinator Raheem Morris to get creative with his defense. It'll also put much more pressure on fringe pass-rushers, such as Keion White and the rookie, Romello Height, to shoulder a load they're not typically expected to hold.
The lack of depth easily calls into question whether or not San Francisco did enough to address the pass rush. Certain options remain available, but why general manager John Lynch didn't make any calls remains a mystery.
While there are obvious shortages on the outside, Morris and the 49ers can hope the interior presence of defensive tackles Osa Odighizuwa and rookie Gracen Halton can cover up any deficiencies.
The Niners will assuredly need that, and they'll also want to make sure they get through the contest unscathed.
Especially considering just how shorthanded they already are on the edge.
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