The San Francisco 49ers will open the 2026 NFL season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, without a key defensive player after defensive tackle Alfred Collins suffered a season-ending injury during practice on Tuesday. Collins, a second-round draft pick in 2025, tore his patellar tendon and will miss the remainder of the season, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The injury comes as the 49ers prepare to face the Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, marking the first regular-season NFL game in Australia. The Rams, favored to win by more than a field goal, enter the matchup as Super Bowl contenders following a blockbuster offseason that included the acquisitions of All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher Myles Garrett.
Key developments in the lead-up to the game
The 49ers’ defense has already faced challenges this week, with defensive end Sam Okuayinonu placed on injured reserve for a broken foot and multiple players listed as questionable. Collins’ absence further weakens San Francisco’s defensive line, which ranked below league average last season in yards and points allowed. The team has waived defensive tackle Bryson Eason, who was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving a void in the rotation.
Rams’ preparations and global expansion efforts
The Rams have been actively building their presence in Australia over the past five years, securing marketing rights in 2021 as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. Team president Kevin Demoff emphasized the long-term strategy behind their Australian push, stating, "We consider this an extension of our city, our market, our brand." The Rams have constructed a floating football field on the Yarra River for public engagement, though players arrived in Melbourne just one day before the game, while the 49ers chartered a plane earlier to acclimate to the 17-hour time difference.
Injury updates and team responses
Shanahan acknowledged the significance of Collins’ injury, calling it a "big loss" and expressing sympathy for the player. Defensive end Nick Bosa, who is expected to play against the Rams, offered support to Collins, noting his own experience with a torn ACL. The 49ers have relied on players like Gracen Halton and James Thompson Jr. to step into larger roles in Collins’ absence.
The Rams, meanwhile, are led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who returned from retirement but did not travel to Australia for the opener as he continues to work toward optimal playing shape. Shanahan joked about his initial expectation that Donald would play, saying, "I’ve never been more excited to be wrong about something."
Game context and stakes
The matchup between the Rams and 49ers is one of the most anticipated in the NFL, with both teams featuring high-powered offenses and elite defensive talent. The Rams’ acquisition of Garrett, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has bolstered their defensive unit, while the 49ers aim to overcome early-season setbacks. The game is part of the NFL’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint, with Australia serving as a key market for growth.
Both teams have faced injury challenges in recent weeks, but the Rams enter the game as favorites, with the 49ers already dealing with multiple absences on defense. The outcome of the matchup could set the tone for the season, particularly for San Francisco as they navigate early adversity.