49ers Rookies Collins and West Notch First NFL Sacks

Defensive linemen's bond fuels breakout performances in primetime win over Colts

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:39am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the explosive energy of a football sack, with sharp geometric planes in red, gold, blue, and white representing the uniforms of the 49ers and Colts players involved.The shared triumph of 49ers rookies Collins and West symbolizes the team's defensive line depth and the power of friendship on the field.Indianapolis Today

Rookie defensive linemen Alfred Collins and CJ West of the San Francisco 49ers each recorded their first NFL sacks in a Monday Night Football victory over the Indianapolis Colts, showcasing the strong bond they've developed through their shared journey from college to the pros.

Why it matters

The success of Collins and West highlights the 49ers' impressive defensive line depth, which includes several high draft picks, and raises questions about whether their friendship and teamwork give them an edge over individual talent alone.

The details

In the 49ers' primetime win, Collins broke through the offensive line to sack Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, forcing a fumble, while West also brought down Rivers later in the game. The two celebrated each other's accomplishments, reflecting the tight-knit relationship they've built through overcoming challenges like injuries and the transition to the NFL.

  • On April 11, 2026, Collins and West recorded their first NFL sacks during the 49ers' Monday Night Football victory over the Colts.

The players

Alfred Collins

A rookie defensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers who recorded his first NFL sack in the team's Monday Night Football win over the Indianapolis Colts, forcing a fumble.

CJ West

A rookie defensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers who also recorded his first NFL sack in the team's Monday Night Football win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Robert Saleh

The defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, who praised the performances of Collins and West and predicted they will only continue to improve.

Nick Bosa

An All-Pro defensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers who provided guidance to Collins on transforming his body before the draft.

Mykel Williams

A first-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2025 whose season was cut short by an ACL injury, raising questions about the depth of the 49ers' defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“That's my dog. Seeing everybody else do their thing, that makes me so happy. We've seen the journey, and we're just getting started.”

— Alfred Collins, San Francisco 49ers Defensive Lineman

“To share that with Alfred means a lot. We put in a lot of work as rookies, and to share that moment together was huge.”

— CJ West, San Francisco 49ers Defensive Lineman

“They're doing a really nice job. It was awesome to see them get the production because they've been working hard at it. But they're still young—they're only going to get better.”

— Robert Saleh, San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

The 49ers will look to continue their defensive dominance as Collins and West aim to build on their breakout performances in the coming weeks and seasons.

The takeaway

The success of 49ers rookies Collins and West, fueled by their strong friendship and shared work ethic, highlights the team's impressive defensive line depth and raises questions about whether teamwork and camaraderie can give players an edge over pure individual talent.