Outlast Pool

49ers Lose DT Alfred Collins for the Season to Knee Injury

Sep 9, 2026

49ers DT Alfred Collins done for 2026

San Francisco just lost a starter before the season really got going. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins tore his patellar tendon during the 49ers' Tuesday practice in Australia, an injury that ends his 2026 campaign.

Losing a starting interior lineman for the full year is a meaningful hit up front, and it comes at an awkward time — with the team already overseas and prepping for its opener.

The survivor-pick angle

If you were eyeing the 49ers as a survivor pick, this is a reason to slow down before you lock it in. Collins is a starting defensive tackle, and his season-ending knee injury weakens the interior of San Francisco's front. Interior line depth matters against strong run games and quick-passing offenses, so factor in how the 49ers replace those snaps before committing.

That said, one lineman rarely decides a survivor entry on its own. The smarter move is to weigh this loss against the matchup itself — the opponent, the spread, and how the rest of the roster holds up. If you're still weighing your options, dig into more survivor analysis before you burn a pick on a team dealing with a fresh hole up front.