The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field after dropping to the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff standings following a Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a Monday conference call, sharing key injury updates as the 49ers prepare for their Wild Card matchup against Philadelphia.
49ers linebacker depth takes a hit
Linebacker Tatum Bethune, who suffered a groin tear against the Seahawks, has already been ruled out for the playoffs. Eric Kendricks is expected to fill in at the position.
When asked if Bethune's injury will require surgery, Shanahan said, "Possibly. They haven't decided yet."
Shanahan expressed confidence in Kendrick's ability to step in for Bethune.
"He's been here long enough," the coach said. "These games he's gotten in, in the last couple of weeks, he's done a good job of, and I'm glad that we got him for this situation."
Linebackers Dee Winters (ankle) and Luke Gifford (quad) will be evaluated later this week, leaving San Francisco potentially short-handed at the linebacker spot for the Wild Card game.
Brock Purdy update
Quarterback Brock Purdy, who suffered a shoulder stinger at the end of Saturday night's game, has been evaluated and cleared, and he is expected to be full-go this week.
"Brock checked out good," Shanahan said.
Other 49ers post-game injury updates
Defensive end Keion White, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, will be evaluated throughout the week.
Safety Ji'Ayir Brown is day-to-day with a rib injury, while defensive tackle Kalia Davis is day-to-day due to knee tendinitis.
Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall news
Two key players who did not play against Seattle—tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall—will be closely monitored throughout the week. Shanahan noted that Pearsall aggravated his previous PCL injury last week.
"He re-aggravated it, which, whether that looks like a setback or—I mean, I guess it's not a setback," Shanahan said. "It's just he re-aggravated it, which is usually what happens with PCLs."
Will Fred Warner return?
Shanahan also addressed linebacker Fred Warner's status. Warner, who suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6, could still return if the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game. However, even with a deep playoff run, his return is not guaranteed.
"I think it's too far off right now," Shanahan said. "I think it is a possibility, as we get closer to a possible third game here—a championship game. But it's not something we're thinking about right now."
A 49ers wide receiver gears up for return
The 49ers are opening the practice window for wide receiver Jacob Cowing this week, potentially adding help at the position ahead of their postseason matchup.