49ers Eye NFC Supremacy as Seahawks Edge Rams, Injury Updates and Aiyuk’s Absence Loom Large
The NFC West just got a whole lot more interesting. With the Seahawks pulling off a dramatic win over the Rams, the division standings have shifted-and the ripple effect could be massive for the San Francisco 49ers.
If the Niners can run the table the rest of the way, including what’s shaping up to be a heavyweight Week 18 clash against Seattle at Levi’s Stadium, they’ll be in prime position to lock down the No. 1 seed in the NFC. That’s not just about home-field advantage-it’s about a first-round bye, a rested roster, and the road to the Super Bowl running through Santa Clara.
Let’s break it down: San Francisco already holds a 5-1 record in the NFC West, while the Rams now sit at 4-2. The 49ers split their season series with L.A., but if they beat Seattle again in Week 18, they’ll sweep the Seahawks and own the head-to-head tiebreaker. That’s a big deal in a conference where every win (and tiebreaker) could be the difference between a playoff bye and a wild card fight.
Reinforcements Incoming for Monday Night
As the 49ers gear up for a Monday night showdown with the Colts, the injury report is a mixed bag-but there’s reason for optimism.
Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks has been cleared for full practice after missing time with a calf injury. He’s still on the practice squad, but don’t be surprised if he suits up for his Niners debut in Indianapolis. Kendricks brings a decade of NFL experience, and his presence could be a stabilizing force for a defense that’s already among the league’s best when healthy.
On the offensive side, rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall is still up in the air for Monday. Kyle Shanahan said there’s a chance he plays, but nothing’s locked in yet. Pearsall’s availability could be crucial, especially with San Francisco’s receiving corps needing depth and versatility.
Several other key players remain sidelined or limited. Guard Spencer Burford (ankle, knee), defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (knee), and linebacker Nick Martin (concussion) were not expected to practice Thursday. That’s three potential contributors whose statuses will be worth monitoring as kickoff approaches.
There’s better news on the defensive front: linebacker Tatum Bethune and edge rusher Sam Okuayinonu, both dealing with ankle injuries, are trending in the right direction. They’ve missed multiple games but were scheduled for limited practice this week, a sign they could be back in action against the Colts.
Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) and defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) were also set for limited work. Gross-Matos remains on injured reserve, but any progress is welcome as the Niners look to fortify their defensive line rotation heading into the final stretch.
Shanahan’s QB Philosophy: It’s Not About the Legs, It’s About the Mind
Speaking ahead of Monday night’s game, Kyle Shanahan offered a window into his quarterback philosophy-and why experience can sometimes outweigh athleticism.
“When you go against defenses like Seattle’s, you’re not going to outrun them,” Shanahan said. “You don’t out-athletic a really good defense. You’ve got to be able to get rid of the ball.”
It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about how Shanahan builds his offense. Sure, athleticism helps-but mental processing, anticipation, and poise under pressure are what separate good quarterbacks from great ones.
He pointed to legends like Michael Vick and current stars like Lamar Jackson as rare exceptions-guys who could escape pressure with sheer speed and agility. But for most quarterbacks, it’s about timing, vision, and decision-making.
That’s the lens through which Shanahan evaluates his signal-callers. It’s not just about arm strength or 40-yard dash times. It’s about how quickly a quarterback can read the field and make the right decision-especially when the pocket collapses and things get chaotic.
The Brandon Aiyuk Situation: Teammates Speak Out
The Brandon Aiyuk saga continues to cast a shadow over the 49ers’ locker room. The talented wide receiver was placed on the reserve/left team list, and while the team hasn’t disclosed all the details, players are starting to speak out.
Ricky Pearsall, who’s stepped into a bigger role this season, addressed Aiyuk’s absence with empathy.
“I understand there are things he may have done that the team didn’t agree with,” Pearsall said. “But what I do know is he’s a good dude. And I just think we should be careful in judging the man because you don’t know what he’s going through emotionally.”
It’s a reminder that behind the headlines are real people dealing with real challenges. Pearsall’s comments suggest that while Aiyuk’s departure may have been abrupt, there’s still respect for him in the locker room.
Kyle Shanahan, for his part, acknowledged that Aiyuk has been “extremely distant” since suffering an ACL tear in Week 7. Despite being present during training camp and preseason-he was even catching passes from Brock Purdy in warmups-Aiyuk hasn’t re-engaged with the team the way Shanahan had hoped.
“He’s been extremely distant since he got hurt,” Shanahan said. “I was hoping it would happen once he got healthy, but it never happened.”
It’s a tough situation for all involved. Aiyuk was engaged early in the season, even helping coach up younger receivers during camp.
But something clearly shifted after the injury. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or contractual, the disconnect is real-and unresolved.
Looking Ahead: O-Line Help on the Horizon?
As the 49ers look toward the future, mock draft season is already heating up. One projection has San Francisco using its first-round pick on Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon, a name that’s been climbing draft boards thanks to a breakout season.
Pregnon is a 6-foot-5, 318-pound mauler with elite athleticism-just the kind of interior lineman who could thrive in Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. He’s allowed only three pressures all year and has posted standout grades in both run and pass protection.
It’s early, and a lot can change between now and draft day, but if the 49ers are looking to keep their offensive line elite for years to come, Pregnon could be a name to remember.
Bottom Line: The 49ers are still in control of their destiny-but just barely. The Seahawks’ win over the Rams tightened the NFC West race, and with injuries, internal drama, and a tough Monday night matchup ahead, San Francisco will need to stay locked in. If they do, that Week 18 game could be for all the marbles.