Defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who played 30 snaps in the 49ers’ 2024 NFL preseason opener and seemed to be on track for a roster spot, has been found to have structural damage behind his kneecap following San Francisco’s loss to Tennessee.
Davis is scheduled for knee surgery on Thursday, according to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. The team is expected to include Davis on the initial 53-man roster and then move him to injured reserve, which would allow him to return later in the season. Shanahan estimates Davis will be out for about half of the regular season.
Shanahan noted, “I thought it was one of his best games. It’s really unfortunate. He played exceptionally well throughout the game, and it was a surprise to see such a serious injury.” He added that despite the setback, Davis had a strong camp and performance, positioning him well to make a comeback.
Davis recorded the 49ers’ only sack in their 17-13 defeat to the Tennessee Titans and had two tackles for loss. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Central Florida, Davis missed his rookie year and was limited by a high-ankle sprain last season, appearing in only three games.
Additionally, cornerback Ambry Thomas is set to undergo surgery on Tuesday for a broken right forearm and is also expected to miss half of the season. The 49ers will likely open a roster spot by placing Thomas on injured reserve or waiving him with an injury designation.