The San Francisco 49ers aim to play spoiler in Monday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions, the team they eliminated from Super Bowl contention last season. While the playoffs are out of reach for the 49ers, they're determined to end the season on a strong note and build momentum heading into the offseason.
Who's out?
Injuries have ravaged the 49ers' offensive line, leaving quarterback Brock Purdy to start behind a makeshift group against one of the NFL's top teams.
The 49ers recently placed left tackles Trent Williams (ankle) and Jaylon Moore (quad) on injured reserve this past week. Left guard Aaron Banks (knee) is expected to join them before kickoff. All three will miss this season's remaining games.
Although there was hope that guard Spencer Burford (calf) might play, he was ruled out, further depleting the offensive line.
This past week, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf) will sit out the final two games of the season, capping his inspiring yet brief return from an Achilles injury.
Meanwhile, the 49ers also ruled out defensive end Robert Beal (ankle). Cornerback Charvarius Ward, initially listed as questionable due to personal reasons, was downgraded to out on Saturday.
Others questionable
Three 49ers are questionable to play. They are linebacker Tatum Bethune (knee), whose practice window was opened this past week, safety Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle), and tackle Colton McKivitz (knee).
If McKivitz can't play, the 49ers may rely on newly signed offensive linemen Austin Pleasants and Charlie Heck to protect Purdy, starting at the two tackle spots.
The 49ers will release their list of inactive players 90 minutes before kickoff, providing a final update on their lineup for the primetime showdown.