As the San Francisco 49ers finalize their roster ahead of a pivotal Week 1 clash with the Los Angeles Rams, the team has made a calculated move to shore up its edge rush depth. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the 49ers are signing edge rusher Khalid Kareem from the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad. The move comes in the wake of Sam Okuayinonu being ruled out with a foot injury, leaving a void that Kareem is expected to fill immediately.
A Familiar Face in a New System
Kareem, a former fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, spent the previous two seasons under 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris during his tenure in Atlanta. This familiarity with Morris's defensive scheme should allow Kareem to integrate seamlessly into San Francisco's game plan. As reported by Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Kareem is already en route to Melbourne, suggesting he will be available for the season opener against the Rams.
At 6'4" and 268 pounds, Kareem brings a physical profile that closely mirrors Okuayinonu's (6'1", 269 pounds), making this as close to a one-for-one swap as possible. Kareem's arm length ranks in the 83rd percentile and his hand size in the 95th percentile, traits that Morris will likely leverage to disrupt the Rams' running game.
What Kareem Brings to the Table
Despite his draft pedigree, Kareem has seen limited action since entering the league, playing fewer than 200 snaps since 2022. In four games last season, he never surpassed 26 snaps in a single contest. However, his efficiency in those limited opportunities is noteworthy. Kareem recorded four stops and five quarterback pressures on just 31 edge snaps, with one pressure and one stop coming against the Rams in Week 17. That experience against Sean McVay's offense provides the 49ers with confidence that Kareem can contribute effectively.
The 49ers' injury concerns extend beyond Okuayinonu, as Romello Height is dealing with an ankle issue. Should Height's injury prove significant, this may not be the final roster move before Week 1. The added strain on Nick Bosa and Keion White underscores the need for reliable depth, and the team has already added Kevin Givens to the practice squad as a potential game-day activation. Givens, who occasionally played on the edge under Robert Saleh last season, could provide a larger body against the Rams' heavy personnel.
As the 49ers navigate these early-season challenges, the addition of Kareem signals a proactive approach by the front office. With Morris's trust in Kareem and his prior success against the Rams, this move could pay dividends in the season opener. The team has yet to announce a corresponding roster move, but if Okuayinonu's injury is serious, an injured reserve designation could follow.
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