Friday, 25 September 2026, 22:14
The San Francisco 49ers have made a surprising roster move ahead of their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. Defensive tackle C.J. West was placed on injured reserve before Wednesday practice, joining a growing list of injuries affecting the team defensive line.
West started both of San Francisco wins this season alongside Osa Odighizuwa. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that the tackle will require knee surgery due to a bone chip that may have bothered him since training camp. While he is not ruled out for the entire season, his absence impacts the starting lineup immediately.
The situation in Santa Clara has become critical for the 49ers defensive front. Fellow linemen Alfred Collins and Sam Okuayinonu are already on injured reserve, and rookie James Thompson Jr. could follow after suffering an ankle injury during Sunday victory over Miami. Shanahan highlighted the strain on the roster, noting that having only two healthy defensive tackles left is a major concern.
The 49ers have responded to these setbacks by activating players from the practice squad. They signed defensive tackle Naquon Jones from the Minnesota Vikings and added veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to bolster a receiving corps dealing with multiple injuries. These transactions underscore the team ongoing efforts to maintain competitiveness despite personnel losses.
The 49ers will test their depth when they face the Cardinals on Sunday. Several key players, including Nick Bosa, Dre Greenlaw, Christian McCaffrey, and Trent Williams, are participating in standard conditioning protocols. The coaching staff must rely on emerging talent and strategic adjustments to secure another win.
