The San Francisco 49ers released their first injury report of Wild Card weekend on Wednesday, and two key offensive starters were notably absent.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed both players during his media availability, offering updates as the team prepares for Sunday’s pivotal matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The news adds another layer of uncertainty to an already challenging postseason opener for the 49ers.
Shanahan Addresses Key Absences
Left tackle Trent Williams did not practice Wednesday due to a hamstring issue.
This was not a typical veteran rest day, according to Shanahan. The coach said he hopes Williams will feel better Thursday and be able to get some work in, though there was no certainty as of Wednesday afternoon.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall also missed practice with knee and ankle injuries.
Shanahan revealed earlier in the week, that Pearsall reaggravated his PCL injury during Week 17’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers did not hold any physical practices last week, which may have contributed to the setback.
Both players will be evaluated throughout the week, and their availability remains uncertain.
The Broader Injury Picture for the 49ers
Williams and Pearsall were not the only absences from Wednesday’s practice.
Linebacker Dee Winters missed with an ankle injury. Edge rusher Keion White was sidelined with groin and hamstring issues.
Star tight end George Kittle practiced in a limited capacity due to an ankle injury. Edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos and linebacker Luke Gifford were also limited with ankle and quad injuries, respectively.
One positive development was that newly signed linebacker Kyzir White participated in practice. Shanahan said the coaching staff will evaluate how White looks throughout the week to determine his role against Philadelphia.
Via: @mattblively
Why This Week Matters
This week represents the first normal week of practice for the 49ers since early December.
The team played 3 games in 13 days to close the regular season, leaving limited time for full-speed preparation. The Niners will benefit from an extra day this week before Sunday’s showdown at Lincoln Financial Field.
Shanahan acknowledged that he does not have a strict rule about playing players who have not practiced all week, and the decision will likely come down to the wire.
Final Word for the 49ers
Thursday’s practice will provide more clarity on both Williams and Pearsall.
The 49ers will continue monitoring their progress throughout the week. Any absence would require significant adjustments to the game plan against Philadelphia’s fifth-ranked defense.
For now, the 49ers prepare for multiple scenarios.
But the stakes are clear.
Their margin for error was already thin. Without Williams and Pearsall, it becomes even thinner.
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