Rumors of the injury started circulating via social media on Wednesday, with Reed confirming it a day later.
Eighty-six of Reed's 125 regular-season snaps on defense last year saw him line up to defend the slot with just 29 on the outside, according to Pro Football Focus. The majority of Reed's work came on special teams where he had 164 snaps.
Last season, linebacker Kwon Alexander suffered a torn pectoral muscle on October 31, was placed on injured reserve on November 5, and the 49ers activated him for the playoffs on January 10. He ended up playing in each of San Francisco's three postseason games.
The 49ers made Reed, 23, a fifth-round selection out of Kansas State in 2018. He registered 13 tackles, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble through 16 games with the 49ers in 2019. Reed has recorded 54 tackles, a sack, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles through his two NFL seasons, according to Pro Football Reference.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan last year praised Reed's versatility as a contributor on defense and special teams.
"D.J. Reed, he fights," Shanahan said before the start of the regular season. "He can play at a number of different spots ... D.J.'s a heck of a football player, and we're glad to have him."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: How much will Kaelon Black play as a rookie? Will SF sign any more free agents? Will the defense be any better in 2026?
The San Francisco 49ers have started OTAs (organized team activities), and there's finally actual football to discuss. It may not be like training camp, but it's close enough. And training camp isn't too far away. We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag to see what was on your... -
USA Today predicts 49ers record for 2026
Last season, the San Francisco 49ers finished with an impressive 12-5 record, despite many injuries to key players. Some injuries, like those to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall, lasted multiple weeks. But there were more devastating ones, like the season-ending... -
Where does 49ers' Mac Jones rank among NFL backup QBs by trade value?
Mac Jones saved the San Francisco 49ers' season in 2025. That wasn't a statement any fan expected to hear before last season began. But it happened. And it's not an overreaction. Starting QB Brock Purdy missed eight games in 2025. And Jones filled in admirably, going 5-3, and... -
49ers facing harsh reality as NFL execs label Brandon Aiyuk 'untradeable'
There appears to be no trade market for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, despite the team's hope that interest could eventually develop. With rival teams believing the 49ers will ultimately release the disgruntled receiver, there is little incentive to surrender...