49ers thin injury-hit defensive line, replace Okuayinonu with Kareem
6 sourcesUpdated Sep 5, 2026
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The San Francisco 49ers placed defensive end Sam Okuayinonu on injured reserve after a foot injury kept him from traveling with the team to Melbourne for Thursday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Okuayinonu, who started 12 games and recorded 39 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble in 2025, was expected to provide important rotational depth despite not being projected as a regular starter this season. San Francisco signed veteran edge defender Khalid Kareem from the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad to fill the roster spot, and his familiarity with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ system should ease the transition. The move further thins an injury-hit defensive line that includes Nick Bosa and Keion White, although both are expected to play, while rookie Romello Height is also working back from an injury.
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Rough break for Okuayinonu right before the opener. Bosa and White will have to carry a heavier load early on.
Depth signing makes sense, Kareem's got playoff experience even if it's mostly rotational snaps. Better than being thin at the position going into Melbourne.
