49ers Defensive End Sam Okuayinonu Absent from Team Flight to Australia

The San Francisco 49ers are en route to Australia, but defensive end Sam Okuayinonu is not accompanying the team due to a foot injury.

Shortly before their departure, the team confirmed that Okuayinonu would miss the flight to Melbourne for the upcoming game against the Rams. Although typically a player not on the flight is unlikely to participate in the game, Okuayinonu is currently listed as questionable, with the possibility of traveling separately depending on his recovery.

Okuayinonu played a significant role in the 49ers' defense last season, starting 12 regular-season games and both playoff matches. This season, he is expected to serve as a backup while still contributing to the defensive line rotation if he recovers. Meanwhile, other key players, including George Kittle and Nick Bosa, are on the flight, having overcome their own injury concerns ahead of Week One.