Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (concussion) on Saturday was added to the list of sidelined players. That means San Francisco will kick off with just four active linebackers — Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Elijah Lee, and Mark Nzeocha.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Saturday that tight end George Kittle would miss his second-consecutive game, and be sidelined against the Cardinals. Kittle continues to recover from knee and ankle injuries suffered during the last meeting between today's opponents, a Halloween night matchup at State Farm Stadium.
It looks like the 49ers' list of seven inactive players became clearer this morning.
The good news is that Jimmy Garoppolo's most experienced target, veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, is expected to be suited up and playing against the Cardinals, according to Schefter. He exited Week 10 with a rib injury and did not return to the game.
"I'm going to try to battle it out," Sanders told reporters on Friday when asked about his chances of playing.
Sanders caught seven passes for 112 yards and found the end zone during the first meeting between the 49ers and Cardinals, which was his second game with San Francisco following a trade from the Denver Broncos on October 22.
Running back Matt Breida will not play, per Schefter.
Also expected to be sidelined is kicker Robbie Gould. Although, that has not been made official.
Breida and Gould were listed as doubtful for today's game.
Breida aggravated his ankle during last week's overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks while Gould is still nursing a right quadricep injury suffered during a practice leading to Week 10.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Friday hadn't yet ruled out Breida, just in case something unexpected happened with one of the other running backs on the roster. Rookie kicker Chase McLaughlin replaced Gould against the Seahawks, and will likely kick again against the Cardinals.
Add third-string quarterback C.J. Beathard to the list and Shanahan has a very easy job of naming his inactive players for the upcoming game.
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