49ers Add Edge Depth, Sign Khalid Kareem Ahead of Rams Matchup in Australia

The San Francisco 49ers have bolstered their thin defensive end rotation by signing veteran Khalid Kareem off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, according to FOX Sports reporter Greg Auman. Kareem is reportedly en route to Australia, where the 49ers are already preparing for their Week 1 meeting with the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next week.

The move addresses an urgent need on the edge. Rookie Mykel Williams is on injured reserve while recovering from ACL surgery, and Sam Okuayinonu is sidelined with a foot injury, leaving San Francisco short on experienced pass rushers heading into the season opener.

Kareem should require little time to get up to speed schematically. He spent the past two seasons playing under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who served as the Falcons’ head coach during that stretch, giving him familiarity with concepts the 49ers are expected to run.

The signing comes during an unusual stretch for the 49ers, who open their season overseas in one of the NFL’s marquee international showcases. Roster moves made this week carry added logistics, with new arrivals needing to make the long trip to join the team.

Media context

The news was first reported by Fox Corporation-affiliated reporter Greg Auman. Fox, a communications services company operating in cable network programming and television, saw its shares close at $65.42, down 3.44% from the prior close of $67.75, valuing the company at roughly $27.7 billion.

What to watch

• Whether Kareem is active for the Week 1 game against the Rams in Melbourne and what role he plays in the defensive line rotation.
• Timelines for Mykel Williams’ recovery from ACL surgery and Sam Okuayinonu’s return from a foot injury.
• Any further 49ers roster moves as the team manages its thin edge-rusher depth.

Source: original release