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Where Does 49ers Defensive Line Stand Entering Week 3?

Talk about depleted.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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The San Francisco 49ers defensive line is going through a lot of changes with all of the injuries they have suffered. It is hard to keep track of who is on the team and who will be starting when the team takes on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. As things stand, what does the 49ers defensive line look like?

San Francisco 49ers Defensive Line Review

Interior Defensive Line

Osa Odighizuwa 

Odighizuwa went from a nice addition that completed the line to the only thing that the line can depend on. The 49ers' addition this offseason has turned out to be excellent, but he is now the only trusted starter. 

Gracen Halton 

Halton is a fourth-round rookie and will be making his second-career start in Week 3. He is a bit undersized, and while he can rush the passer, he has issues in run defense.

Naquan Jones

The 49ers just signed Jones this week due to the injuries to CJ West and James Thompson, on top of Alfred Collins. The 49ers have not officially placed Thompson on the IR, but he will be out this week. 

PS Options

Sebastian Valdez, Kevin Givens, McKinnley Jackson 

One of Valdez or Givens, and potentially both, will be elevated this weekend to join the mix.

49er
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Edge Rushers

Keion White

White went from a rotational rusher to the only legitimate option the 49ers have. Still, he has two pressures and two run stops on 62 snaps in Week 2. 

Romello Height

Height had a much better performance in Week 2 than he did in his NFL debut. However, he is now dealing with a broken hand. Height could play through it, but he will be limited. That is a lot to ask for a rookie who was already struggling at times. 

Khalil Kareem 

Kareem has three pressures in two weeks. The edge rusher was signed at the end of training camp and played 71 snaps last year. 

Ogbo Okoronkwo 

Okoronkwo went from a practice squad call-up to a player who might start if Height is not healthy. The speed rusher has three pressures on 34 snaps. 

PS Options

Villami Fehoko, Vincent Anthony 

These two were signed in the past couple of weeks. They will have to be called up if Height is not active.

If Height is active, the 49ers can start Height and White on the edges with Halton and Odighizuwa along the interior. 

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Parker Hurley
PARKER HURLEY

Parker Hurley is a Pittsburgh native and IUP alumni with a deep-rooted passion for football and a decade of experience analyzing the game. Since 2016, he had extensively covered the Chicago Bears, serving as the site manager for Bear Goggles On from 2017 to 2023. During that time, Parker published hundreds of articles per month and led content strategy across written, audio, and video formats. Parker has also produced podcasts, blogs, and YouTube content focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL betting trends, and league-wide analysis. His work blends film breakdowns, statistical insight, and timely news reaction to deliver clear, actionable content for fans and bettors alike. Now, Parker contributes NFL coverage across multiple platforms, expanding his scope to include teams like the San Francisco 49ers and broader NFL narratives. Whether he’s analyzing rookie development or evaluating playoff contenders, Parker’s top priority is helping readers understand the game on a deeper level. He brings passion, clarity, and consistency to everything he writes, always aiming to educate, engage, and elevate the football conversation.

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