With just two weeks left in the regular season, the San Francisco 49ers are still clinging to hope in the NFC West race-but they’ll need a lot to break their way. First and foremost, they’ve got to keep winning.
And that starts with a tough Week 17 showdown against one of the NFC’s top teams, the Chicago Bears. If they can get through that, a potential Week 18 matchup with division rival Seattle could carry major implications.
But the road ahead is complicated-not just by standings, but by the injury report.
Kittle, Pearsall among key names on 49ers' injury list
San Francisco's Wednesday injury report carried a few names that will make fans hold their breath. Tight end George Kittle, one of the emotional and physical anchors of this offense, didn’t practice due to an ankle injury.
This comes after he exited early in the team’s 48-27 win over the Colts. Kittle, who already missed five games earlier this year with a hamstring issue, has been a difference-maker when healthy-pulling in 52 catches for 599 yards and seven touchdowns across 10 games.
His presence in the middle of the field is a game-changer, especially against a defense like Chicago’s that thrives on limiting explosive plays. If he’s not available, the Niners will need to get creative in how they stretch the field and move the chains.
Another name to watch is second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall, who was limited in Wednesday’s session. He’s been battling a knee issue most of the season, and now an ankle injury has been added to the mix.
Pearsall has quietly put together a solid campaign with 32 catches for 443 yards in eight games. He’s become a reliable target, especially in the intermediate game, and his ability to separate against man coverage has been a real asset for this offense.
Defensive depth being tested
On the defensive side, edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos didn’t practice due to a hamstring injury. He’s been working his way back from injured reserve and saw limited snaps in Week 16. His return to form could be key for a pass rush that needs to pressure a mobile Bears quarterback who thrives outside the pocket.
Cornerback Renardo Green, who missed last week’s game with a neck injury, was limited in practice. That’s actually an encouraging sign. Green has shown flashes in his second season, and if he's trending toward playing, it’s a boost for a secondary that’ll need all hands on deck against a Bears offense that can strike in a hurry.
Veterans get a breather
Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams were both listed as DNPs on Wednesday-but this was strictly for rest. No cause for concern there.
Both are expected to be ready to go for Sunday, and both are critical to any postseason hopes the Niners have. McCaffrey remains the engine of the offense, and Williams is still one of the best blindside protectors in the league.
The bottom line
The 49ers are walking a fine line. They need wins, they need health, and they need a little help elsewhere in the division.
But first, they’ve got to take care of business against a surging Bears squad-and they’ll need their stars, or at least most of them, on the field to do it. As we head into the final stretch, the margin for error is razor-thin.