The 49ers placed defensive tackle Alfred Collins on the season-ending Injured Reserve List due to a patellar tendon injury, ending his chances of contributing this season. Collins, a second-round pick, had struggled with a shoulder injury early in training camp and never fully regained his form, while In his place, Okoronkwo was to the active roster and will wear No. 59. His experience against the Rams’ offense and with head coach Raheem Morris adds depth to the 49ers’ defensive line.

49ers Rely on Veterans in Week 1

Six players on rookie contracts were left inactive for the game against the Rams, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke, running back Jordan James, and wide receiver Jordan Watkins. This decision suggests the 49ers will lean on veteran players like Deebo Samuel, who is expected to play a major role in the backfield and in the passing game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed a desire to involve running backs more this season, and this game may be an opportunity for Kaelon Black to gain playing time as well.

Christian McCaffrey’s limited playing time appears intentional to keep him fresh for the season’s stretch run — With Watkins inactive, the 49ers will rely on a mix of veterans including Mike Evans and De’Zhaun Stribling at wide receiver. Linebacker Tatum Bethune’s absence also highlights a shift in special teams strategy.

Historic Game in Australia

The 49ers and Rams will face off on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the first regular-season NFL game in Australia — the kickoff in Mexico will be at 6:35 PM local time. The 49ers confirmed that key players such as George Kittle and Nick Bosa will be available despite recent injuries; Kittle recovered from an Achilles tendon tear, while Bosa returned from an ACL injury. Both will be used with caution in the high-altitude conditions of Melbourne.

The Rams also have a healthy roster for the game, with new acquisition Myles Garrett fully cleared after missing practice on Tuesday; However, Rams defensive star Aaron Donald did not travel to Australia. The 49ers arrived in Melbourne a week before the game, while the Rams landed just 24 hours before kickoff; an estimated 100,000 fans are expected to attend the historic match.

TV and Streaming Options

For viewers in Germany, two games will be broadcast on free-to-air television on Sunday, including Bills at Texans and Commanders at Eagles, both on RTL; the Spanish-speaking audience in Mexico and the U.S. can stream the 49ers-Rams game via DAZN’s NFL Game Pass. The service also offers free streaming for preseason games and one regular-season game per week in Latin America (excluding Mexico), as well as access to the NFL Network and historical content.

The 49ers-Rams game will be shown in Mexico and the U.S. at 6:35 PM local time and is the first of up to nine weekly NFL games being televised this season, a significant increase from previous years. The full NFL schedule and division standings are available on sport.de and other sports news platforms.