The San Francisco 49ers have lost so many players to injury, and it continued with George Kittle being carted off the field in the first half. Nonetheless, the Niners pulled off a 23-19 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Despite being on the road and already losing Kittle, the 49ers could have laid down against the reigning Super Bowl champions. However, after overcoming so many injuries, the Niners again showed their mental toughness and secured the victory.
After the 49ers defeated the Eagles, former Niners cornerback Richard Sherman didn’t hold back his thoughts on San Francisco’s performance, considering Philadelphia had all its starters.
“Eagles played with almost all of their day 1 starters available,” Sherman wrote on X on Jan. 11. “The 49ers came in without so many of their starters, and they just continue to find a way. Great performance by the 49ers’ Defense! Eric Kendricks‘ impact was felt all game, but never more than that last play! Veterans feel all game long. Sound tackling and poise!”
Demarcus Robinson Stepped Up for the Niners
It was a rollercoaster performance for Brock Purdy, who went 18-for-31 on his pass attempts, recording 262 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite Purdy’s two turnovers, the Niners were able to overcome those issues.
Moreover, with Kittle out, San Francisco needed someone to step up and it was Demarcus Robinson. The veteran wideout had six receptions for 111 receiving yards, averaging 18.5 yards per catch, and one touchdown.
If the 49ers want to advance to the NFC title game, they will need other players to step up as Robinson did against the Eagles. It might not be the same player next week against the Seattle Seahawks, but as long as it’s someone answering the call when San Francisco needs someone to step up, it’s all that matters.
The Niners will have another chance at revenge against the Seahawks, who defeated them in Week 18 to secure the NFC West division title and the No. 1 seed in the conference, which comes with a bye week. Still, the 49ers did beat Seattle in Week 1, so this will be a tightly contested matchup.
49ers Could Get Major Boost If They Beat the Seahawks
Additionally, there could be good news if the 49ers can reach the NFC title game. Since the early part of the 2025 NFL season, San Francisco have been without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
Nonetheless, over the last couple of weeks, there’s been talk that Warner could return if the 49ers have a deep playoff run. Well, there’s more confirmation that this situation could play out.
On Jan. 10, FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer shared that Warner returning if the Niners reach the NFC title game is a real possibility.
“Fred Warner has blown past all his rehab markers,” Glazer said on the FOX NFL pregame show before the Los Angeles Rams–Carolina Panthers playoff game. “I’m actually told if they get to the NFC Championship game, they’re holding out hope. They think there could be a chance that Fred Warner could actually go in that game.”
Richard Sherman Doesn’t Hold Back on 49ers Beating Eagles