​Oct 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) dives over Atlanta Falcons defenders for a one-yard touchdown during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
During the Kyle Shanahan era, the 49ers have always dealt with injuries, and this season has been no different. The defensive line has been hit especially hard, with important players such as Nick Bosa, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West missing time. Bosa is expected to return soon, Collins is out for the season, and there is still hope that West can return later this year.Despite all of that, the 49ers made it through the first seven games of the season with a 6-1 record heading into a much-needed bye week. While players like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Fred Warner receive most of the attention, several lesser-known contributors have stepped up when the team needed them most.A couple of rookies, a practice squad player, and a defender acquired for a sixth-round pick have all helped keep the 49ers moving in the right direction.Sebastian ValdezSebastian Valdez, nicknamed “The Hulk,” is a second-year player who spent last season as an undrafted free agent on the 49ers practice squad. Valdez started this season on the practice squad as well, but injuries forced the 49ers to elevate him to the active roster.He made his NFL debut in Week Three against Arizona and has been contributing ever since.Valdez may not fill up the stat sheet, currently recording nine tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss, but his impact goes beyond statistics. His ability to plug running lanes, occupy blockers, and disrupt plays in the trenches has made him a valuable part of the defensive line rotation. Every good defense needs players willing to do the dirty work, and Valdez has embraced that role.Romello HeightThird-round rookie Romello Height has been another bright spot for the defensive line.The Texas Tech product always seems to find his way around the football and has consistently disrupted opposing quarterbacks. Height currently has one and a half sacks and has generated double-digit pressures through the first half of the season.What makes his production even more impressive is that he broke his hand in Week Two, missed a game, and has been playing with a club on his hand ever since. His toughness has stood out, and he looks like a player who could have a big future in the 49ers’ defensive front.
Oct 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Gracen Halton (93) celebrates with cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2), safety Malik Mustapha (6) and linebacker Ogbo Okoronkwo (59) after forcing and recovering a fumble for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Gracen HaltonIf there is one player on this list who looks like a draft stea