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49ers rookies impress Kyle Shanahan with notable NFL debuts vs. rival Rams

Published Sep 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
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SANTA CLARA — In the 49ers’ 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams, coach Kyle Shanahan saw significant contributions from the 2026 rookie class. The young defensive linemen were on the field quite a bit, including Gracen Halton, Romello Height and James Thompson. Shanahan needed them to step up in the absence of both Alfred Collins (knee), who was lost for the season, and Sam Okuayinonu (foot), who will miss several weeks.

“I thought they all played well,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “Especially losing Alfred early in the week, losing Sam O. early in the week, Gracen, just coming back from a high ankle, so that was his first week of practice. James just coming back from a hamstring. He didn’t practice until that Friday, so he got a walk-through in before.

“So, I was really impressed with the young guys on defense just being ready for the game.”

Halton was on the field for 31 defensive snaps (51 percent), while Height saw 30 defensive plays. Thompson was on the field a little less, with a total of 21 plays (34 percent). Halton registered one hit while Thompson...


More info on: Alfred Collins, Gracen Halton, Romello Height, Sam Okuayinonu, James Thompson

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