49ers add Khalid Kareem, send Sam Okuayinonu to injured reserve

Kareem was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 51 min read

49ers signed veteran DL Khalid Kareem to a one-year deal and placed DL Sam Okuayinonu on the Injured Reserve List. Via @AdamSchefter on X

What happened: Kareem signed a one-year contract two days after joining a practice squad. He brings experience from four postseason appearances.

Why it matters: The transaction gives San Francisco an immediate replacement on the active roster before the 2026 season. Okuayinonu's move removes a returning contributor from the current defensive-line rotation.

By the numbers: Kareem has 41 tackles, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across 34 regular-season games. Okuayinonu recorded 39 tackles, 3.0 sacks and one forced fumble in 15 games, including 12 starts, in 2025.

What to watch: Watch how Kareem fits into the defensive-line rotation and whether San Francisco later updates Okuayinonu's status.

Sources

@AdamSchefter 2026-09-05T23:06:36.154402+00:00

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NFLInjurySan Francisco 49ersKhalid KareemSam Okuayinonu

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