5 players who must see more field time after 49ers' latest wave of injuries
By John Porter
Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu
Defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu could be the latest player to roll off the Niners' defensive line reclamation project production line, if his early production is any measure of his potential.
Having originally made the 53-man roster before some roster manouvering saw him land on the practice squad, Okuayinonu has been active for three of San Francisco's four games and finds himself currently as a permanent member of the roster, rather than the practice squad elevation he was initially.
He's taken that chance well, too, with a particularly strong game against the Patriots. He showed up well against the run, looking every inch the high-effort, high-motor type the 49ers love to develop, while he was also credited with a forced fumble in the contest.
His usage took a significant uptick from his debut against the Los Angeles Rams, where he also impressed and logged his first NFL sack.
Okuayinonu's playing time looks likely to increase as attrition continues to wear down the depth on the defensive line. Jordan Elliott has a knee issue of unknown severity, while defensive tackle Javon Hargrave might make it back for the playoff run (assuming the 49ers get there!) but is out for the regular season.
Outside of that, younger players who would've been expected to continue their ascent towards playing time, like Drake Jackson and Kalia Davis (more on him in a second!), have been more long-term absentees.
Given the depth the 49ers historically like to employ at the defensive linet, there's a huge opportunity ahead for Okuayinonu. His consistent play already seems to have beat out Robert Beal Jr. in the rotation, but if the former can continue the solid things he's shown so far, he could and should become a key part of the Niners' options in the trenches.