Denver, CO – A devastating blow hit the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night when backup safety George Odum was carted off the field late in the first half of their preseason matchup against the Denver Broncos.
The injury occurred with just 1:19 remaining in the second quarter. The 49ers quickly announced Odum would not return, confirming it was an Achilles injury.
Former NFL safety and current TV analyst Donte Whitner pointed out that the injury appeared to be non-contact. Odum was shifting to his left to close in on Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin during a short 4-yard gain when he suddenly collapsed to the turf.
As Odum lay on the field, Brock Purdy left the sideline to kneel beside him, offering words of support. The veteran safety eventually covered his head with a towel as he was carted off, clearly emotional about the situation.
Odum, 30, has been with the 49ers since 2022. After appearing in all 17 games in his first year with the team, he saw limited action last season due to injuries.
Now, just as he was looking to reestablish himself as a key special teams contributor in 2025, his season may be over before it even starts.
