San Francisco 49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu did not travel with the team to Australia and was initially listed as "questionable" for the September 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne.
Now, the 49ers have downgraded Okuayinonu's status. The team announced Friday that he has been ruled out for the International Series game due to a foot injury.
Okuayinonu is expected to serve as an important depth contributor along the 49ers' defensive line this season. Last year, he recorded 39 tackles and three sacks in 15 appearances, including 12 starts, bringing his career total to 6.5 sacks.
Earlier this week, 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris discussed what Okuayinonu has shown throughout training camp and what the defensive lineman can bring to San Francisco's defense.
"He's a barnyard bully," Morris said. "He can do whatever you want him to do ... He can play at the line of scrimmage, plays with great strength, is able to go out there and shed blocks, be able to cause havoc. His ability to turn and run and get to the ball."
Okuayinonu's absence is a loss to the 49ers' defensive line depth in their season opener against a talented Rams offense.
Mentioned in this article: Sam Okuayinonu
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