Halton is missing practice during 49ers training camp due to a bone bruise on his knee, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
It's not the ideal start to Halton's pro career after he was drafted in the fourth round back in April. He'll have some catching up to do when he's back to full strength, and in his absence, rookie undrafted free agent James Thompson could see more focus as a depth option on the defensive line.
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49ers' Gracen Halton: Heads to San Francisco
Rotowire
The 49ers selected Halton in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 107th overall.
Halton was deployed in multiple alignments on Oklahoma's defensive front during his four-year college career. He finished his senior year in 2025 with 33 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two pass defenses across 13 games. Halton is a bit undersized for the position, but he can beat blockers early with his quick twitch off the snap, and he has the closing speed to chase down opposing ball carriers until the play is dead. Given the versatility he displayed in college, Halton should work in a rotational role on the Niners' defensive line that includes CJ West, Sebastian Valdez, Alfred Collins, Evan Anderson and Osa Odighizuwa (elbow).
