The San Francisco 49ers are entering a crucial stretch of the season, and like many teams this time of year, they're doing it while juggling a growing list of injuries. Head coach Kyle Shanahan offered several key updates Monday, and while there’s some encouraging news, there are also a few situations worth monitoring closely - especially at wide receiver and linebacker.
Ricky Pearsall Banged Up Again
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is back on the injury radar after re-aggravating the PCL injury he dealt with earlier this season. On top of that, he’s now managing a low ankle sprain. Shanahan didn’t rule him out for next week, but he did acknowledge there’s concern - and understandably so.
Pearsall managed to finish the game despite the injuries, which is a testament to his toughness. In fact, he made a key third-down catch late in the game - a play Shanahan called one of the biggest of the day - before landing awkwardly on the same knee. That’s when the pain flared up again.
The good news? It’s not believed to be as severe as the original injury.
Still, the combination of the knee and ankle issues could keep Pearsall off the practice field this week. His status for the upcoming game will hinge on how quickly that pain subsides over the next several days.
Jacob Cowing Nearing Return
There’s optimism around rookie wideout Jacob Cowing, who’s been sidelined but is inching closer to a return. Shanahan said the team hopes to open Cowing’s practice window ahead of Week 17’s matchup with the Bears - assuming he’s fully healthy. That would give the 49ers another dynamic option in the slot, especially valuable with Pearsall’s status in limbo.
Jordan Watkins Still Waiting for Opportunity
As for Jordan Watkins, it sounds like he’s still got some work to do in practice before earning a shot on game day. Watkins hasn’t been active in recent weeks, and Shanahan hinted that the young receiver needs to show more during the week to crack the rotation. With other receivers banged up, the door isn’t closed - but Watkins needs to make a stronger case.
Encouraging Update on Spencer Burford
The offensive line caught a break with Spencer Burford. He exited Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter, but tests on his knee and ankle came back clean.
Even better, he avoided a high-ankle sprain - the kind of injury that can derail a lineman’s season. Burford is expected to practice this week, and if all goes well, he should be back in the lineup soon.
Connor Colby filled in for the final drive on Sunday, but the 49ers would love to have their starting guard back as they gear up for a playoff push.
Linebacker Room Could Get Reinforcements
The 49ers are also hoping to get healthier at linebacker. Tatum Bethune (high-ankle sprain) and Eric Kendricks (calf) are both candidates to return to practice this week, though Shanahan made it clear they need to see how each player looks once they’re back on the field.
“We should get two full-speed practices in,” Shanahan said, which should give the coaching staff a solid read on whether Bethune or Kendricks can contribute in Week 17. It’s been a thin group lately, especially with Nick Martin still in concussion protocol. That shortage forced the Niners to bring in help from outside the organization last week, just to field a complete linebacker unit.
Sam Okuayinonu Also Eyeing Return
Edge rusher Sam Okuayinonu, who’s also dealing with a high-ankle sprain, is another name to watch. Like Bethune and Kendricks, he’s expected to practice this week. If he looks good, he could provide some much-needed depth in the pass rush rotation.
Jordan Elliott Trending Up
Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, who experienced some knee irritation during pregame warmups on Sunday, is expected to practice this week. That’s a positive sign for a defensive front that’s been tested by injuries.
In Elliott’s absence, the team called up Sebastian Valdez, who’s been grinding behind the scenes. While Valdez didn’t suit up on game day, he’s earned back-to-back game checks - a nod to the work he’s been putting in.
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the 49ers are navigating the usual December grind. The roster is banged up, but reinforcements could be on the way. If Pearsall, Cowing, Burford, and a few key defenders can get back on the field soon, San Francisco will be in a much stronger position heading into the final stretch.