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 contributed with two assisting tackles. 

Linebacker Jaden Dugger made the most of his opportunities while on the field for 34 defensive plays. The rookie racked up one tackle and three assists when the defense was in its base defense.

“Dugger, I thought, played real well,” Shanahan said. “We got him a lot of playing time during the training camp. A lot of playing time in all three of our preseason games. I thought this was his best game so far, so I was really impressed.”

The 49ers also got some impressive play from rookie ball carrier Kaelon Black, who was on the field for 28 plays while carrying the ball 14 times for 65 yards. The Indiana product also caught one pass for 5 yards.

One rookie that will miss significant time is De’Zhaun Stribling, who suffered an ankle injury in the season opener. The wide receiver underwent successful surgery on Wednesday morning. 

“With Kaelon Black, I thought he did well,” Shanahan said. “And Stribling, even though he didn’t get to play much, he was so prepared for the game. That was real impressive from all the rookies.”

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast