Will the 49ers see some of their key players suit up this weekend?
The San Francisco 49ers enter the postseason carrying more uncertainty than they would prefer. Still, the team isn’t sounding alarms as it prepares for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card clash with the Philadelphia Eagles.
A crowded injury report has followed the 49ers into the playoffs, yet none of the affected players have been officially ruled out, leaving several key decisions to be made on game day.
The most impactful situation centers on left tackle Trent Williams, whose availability could shape the entire offensive game plan.
Williams has been sidelined since suffering a right hamstring injury on the opening snap of San Francisco’s late-December win over Chicago.
After missing the regular-season finale, the veteran lineman showed encouraging signs this week by returning to practice in a limited role on Thursday and Friday.
Williams acknowledged he remains a game-time decision but made it clear he expects to play, a critical development with the Eagles’ pass rush looming.
While Williams is trending forward, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and linebacker Dee Winters face steeper climbs. Both players were held out of practice throughout the week.
Pearsall continues to deal with knee and ankle issues dating back to the Chicago game, while Winters injured his ankle against Seattle in Week 18.
Despite the lack of on-field work, head coach Kyle Shanahan left the door open for both players, pointing out that Pearsall has played through bumps and bruises all season and shouldn’t be discounted solely because of a quiet practice week.
The injury list extends beyond those three. Linebacker Luke Gifford is managing a quad issue, defensive lineman Keion White is dealing with a groin injury, and cornerback Renardo Green was added late in the week after injuring his foot during practice.
Shanahan clarified that Green’s situation did not occur in a game, but it adds another variable to an already evolving defensive picture.
Shanahan also addressed the questionable designation for rookie receiver Jake Cowing, saying the label does not reflect any real change in plans.
He noted that Cowing’s limited availability throughout the season factors heavily into the decision-making process, emphasizing that this week marked his first practice action of the year.
With multiple players in limbo, San Francisco may need to get creative with its roster.
Shanahan acknowledged the possibility of additional moves beyond the standard practice-squad elevations, depending on how the final hours before kickoff unfold.
However, he said there has been no indication yet that Fred Warner’s practice window would open, even if the team advances.
Importantly, Shanahan pushed back against the idea that playoff stakes alter his approach.
He explained that last week’s decisions were made with the same standards as this week, emphasizing consistency over urgency.
If Winters is unable to suit up, Garret Wallow is expected to step into the starting lineup for the first time.
Shanahan spoke highly of Wallow, crediting the front office for securing him late in the season and expressing confidence in his readiness.
As the 49ers head east to face the Eagles, injuries remain a storyline, but the tone inside the building suggests resilience over concern, with game-day availability likely to define their playoff fate.