The 49ers will not have defensive end Sam Okuayinonu in their Thursday night opener against the Rams in Australia.
Okuayinonu was not on the team flight to Melbourne, but the 49ers originally indicated it was possible that he could make a later flight if he made progress in his recovery from a foot injury. Today, the 49ers announced that Okuayinonu will not play.
Okuayinonu is an important part of the 49ers’ defense: Last year he started 12 games in the regular season and both playoff games. This year he’s expected to be a backup but get plenty of snaps in the defensive line rotation, when he gets healthy.
The rest of the 49ers’ active roster made yesterday’s flight to Melbourne. That includes tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa, both of whom are rehabbing from injuries but are expected to play against the Rams.
