The
The loss of West compounds an already difficult situation for the 49ers' defensive front, which has been hit hard by injuries early in the campaign. The team is already managing the absence of Alfred Collins, who suffered a season-ending patellar injury, and rookie James Thompson Jr., who is currently dealing with a high ankle sprain. Shanahan noted that while West’s injury is not expected to be season-ending, the team is now down to only two healthy defensive tackles from the original five-man group that made the initial 53-man roster.
Defensive Depth and Roster Adjustments
In response to the thinning ranks, San Francisco moved quickly to bolster their interior defensive line by signing veteran
The 49ers currently have Osa Odighizuwa, Gracen Halton, and the newly signed Jones as their only healthy defensive tackles on the active roster. To provide further coverage, the team is evaluating practice squad members Kevin Givens, Sebastian Valdez, and McKinnley Jackson. Additionally, Shanahan indicated that defensive end Keion White may be utilized inside during passing situations to help mitigate the current shortage.
Wide Receiver Corps Also Impacted
The injury concerns extend beyond the defensive line, as the 49ers also addressed their wide receiver depth by signing veteran Brandin Cooks to the practice squad. This move follows a series of setbacks in the receiving corps, including a high ankle sprain for Demarcus Robinson—who faces a three-to-six-week recovery timeline—and a hip issue for Mike Evans. With Ricky Pearsall already ruled out for the season and De'Zhaun Stribling currently on injured reserve, the team is looking for immediate reinforcements.
Cooks, a 33-year-old veteran and Stockton native, expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization he grew up supporting. While Shanahan stated he is uncertain if Cooks will be ready for Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, the receiver remains optimistic about his ability to contribute quickly. The 49ers continue to monitor the status of Evans, hoping he will be available for the weekend contest as they navigate a challenging period of roster attrition.
