The 49ers acquire Texans DT Khalil Davis before the trade deadline

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The San Francisco 49ers made a late move ahead of the 1 p.m. trade deadline, acquiring defensive tackle Khalil Davis from the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Dianna Russini of The Athletic first reported the transaction.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Davis (6-1, 308) out of Nebraska in the sixth round (No. 194 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. This season, he has recorded nine tackles, including four for a loss, two quarterback hits and one sack in nine games with the Texans while playing 32 percent of the defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference.

Davis, 28, has accumulated 43 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, three sacks, two passes defended and one forced fumble in 27 games (one start) during his career with the Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts and Texans.

The move bolsters an interior defensive line that was without defensive tackle Javon Hargrave this season due to a partial triceps tear. However, there is still hope that Hargrave could return if the 49ers make another good playoff run.

While this isn't a headline-grabbing acquisition, the 49ers remain focused on building internal strength and relying on key players to return from injury in the final stages of the season.

This week, the team opened the practice window for running back Christian McCaffrey, who has not yet made his 2024 debut due to Achilles tendonitis. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings also returned to practice after missing two games with a hip injury. Additionally, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and linebacker Dre Greenlaw are expected to contribute in the second half of the season.

“There are a lot of really good players we can get back to strengthen this team,” general manager John Lynch said last week. “And we really liked how our team started the season. Not where we want to be. We're 4-4, but we still have a long way to go and we're going to keep trying week in and week out.” And one thing this team has proven under (head coach) Kyle (Shanahan) is to get better as the season goes on and to play our best ball when it matters.”

The 49ers are now focused on Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, looking to climb over .500 after their 4-4 start.

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