The San Francisco 49ers have lost several players from their front seven so far this season, including defensive end Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and linebacker Fred Warner (fractured ankle), who are both expected to miss the rest of the year.
This trend continued on Sunday against the Houston Texans, as 49ers rookie defensive lineman Alfred Collins suffered an injury on a play where Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud scrambled for a short gain.
Collins remained down after the play, eventually came off holding his right arm and went directly to the blue medical tent.
If the rookie can’t continue in this one, San Francisco will have to roll with Jordan Elliott, Kalia Davis, and Kevin Givens in the middle of their defensive line, with C.J. West also out with an injury.
The 49ers can also move first-round pick Mykel Williams into the interior from the edge if they feel it’s necessary.
UPDATE: Collins returned to the game for the 49ers’ next drive.
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