Alfred Collins’ NFL debut for the San Francisco 49ers was a reality-check moment. He logged nine snaps, mostly on early downs, while Collins’ run-defense gaps were exposed compared with veterans. The 49ers leaned on Jordan Elliott and Kalia Davis to handle the run game, with CJ West and Collins seeing limited action and Mykel Williams and Yetur Gross-Matos sprinkled in as interior rushers to limit the others. Week 2 should reveal how quickly Collins can climb into a clear run-down role.

In the larger picture, the 49ers are balancing development with immediate need. Collins showed high-speed complexity and low pad control, while West offered a glimpse of potential. The plan remains to ease Collins in while Davis and Elliott try to sustain a stable run defense, aided by Williams and Gross-Matos as defensive interior options, leaving Collins fighting to clear the path to meaningful snaps this season.