Training camp for the San Francisco 49ers got off to a rough start even before it technically began with news that head coach Kyle Shanahan was seriously injured in a car accident.
Now after Day 1 of camp brought on some injuries, there was a big injury scare on Monday.
Rookie edge rusher Romello Height was reportedly carted off the field towards the end of practice. It seemed that it was a leg injury, but per reporter David Lombardi, it was just due to cramps, so it seems that Height avoided a major injury.
That is great news, but the injury scare is a reminder that San Francisco could still use some more depth at edge rusher going into the 2026 season. Mykel Williams is already on the PUP list to start training camp, Nick Bosa is coming off an ACL tear, and Keion White is coming off being shot in the ankle.
They probably needed more depth at edge rusher anyway, but the Height scare should lead to an immediate signing by the Niners.
Let’s look at three options.
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Jadeveon Clowney
The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney showed he can still be effective last season as he had 8.5 sacks as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He’s 33 years old and has had plenty of injuries in his career, but he’d be a solid third-down rusher for the Niners, which is the role they were hoping Height could fill.
Denico Autry
Autry last played with the Houston Texans and had 3.5 sacks last season. He’s 36 years old but would provide some veteran experience on the defensive line. He could be a depth piece and something of a mentor for younger players like Height and Williams.
Leonard Floyd
Floyd, a one-time Niner, played with the Atlanta Falcons last year, so he has familiarity with both San Francisco and new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. The veteran had 3.5 sacks in 2025 with Atlanta and 8.5 in his one year with the Niners, so he would not be a bad depth option to have.
Even though Height did not suffer a major injury, him being carted off is a reminder of just how thin the Niners could be at edge rusher if they lose some guys. They need to be proactive and add some depth ahead of the season so they are prepared when guys do go down.
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