The San Francisco 49ers have announced the elevation of former Rams pass rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo in response to the injury of projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins. Collins has been placed on injured reserve after tearing his patellar tendon during practice in Melbourne, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
In addition to Okoronkwo, the 49ers have elevated wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge from the practice squad for their season opener against Los Angeles. Okoronkwo, who has recorded 17 career sacks, had his best season in 2022 with Houston, finishing with five sacks and 44 tackles. However, his recent performance has been less impressive, as he played only four snaps with Philadelphia last season without recording any tackles, sacks, or pressures.
The 49ers are hoping that Okoronkwo's familiarity with the team's defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, with whom he played during his first four seasons with the Rams, will aid in his performance. While Okoronkwo is expected to provide support on the outside, it is noted that he primarily rushes from the edge, contrasting with Collins' role inside.
CJ West or Gracen Halton are anticipated to take over Collins' interior snaps alongside Osa Odighizuwa. The 49ers' defensive line is looking to improve its performance after recording only 18 sacks last season, the lowest among all defensive line groups, and ranking fourth-worst with an 8.87 percent pressure rate.
Hodge brings additional receiving depth and special-teams experience, having caught three passes for 31 yards with Atlanta last season. Like Okoronkwo, he also began his NFL career with the Rams in 2018. The 49ers are relying on these former Rams players to help strengthen their defense as they adjust to Collins' significant absence.