The San Francisco 49ers will head into Week 17’s matchup against the Chicago Bears, having already clinched a playoff spot in the NFC while riding an impressive five-game win streak. However, the NFC West division title is still up for grabs, with it coming down to the wire for the 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.
That said, Brock Purdy and company have something to play for on Sunday on their home field at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area, but they have some injuries that could impact how things pan out for San Francisco.
Ricky Pearsall Trending Toward Playing vs. Bears
GettyRicky Pearsall #1 of the San Francisco 49ers
The primary concern for the 49ers will be in the passing game, with superstar tight end George Kittle more than likely sitting out of this matchup with the Bears, while wide receiver Ricky Pearsall could be on the field, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“As for tonight, the 49ers have some major injury questions going into the game,” Schefter said of San Francisco’s Week 17 situation. “George Kittle has a sprained ankle. He didn’t practice all week long. I’m told it’s ‘highly unlikely’ that he’s going to play, so it looks like he will not be out there in a game in which Ricky Pearsall, their wide receiver, is expected to be out there.
“He didn’t feel great in practice yesterday, but probably feels good enough to be out there tonight. They’ll test him pregame just to make sure.”
It’s been a rough season for Pearsall due to injuries, as he’s played in only eight games this season, catching 31 passes for 443 receiving yards.
49ers Get Promising Update on Fred Warner
GettyFred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers
With the 49ers having already punched their ticket to the NFL playoffs, the possibility of the team’s best defensive player, Fred Warner, seems to be improving or at the very least possible, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Sources informed of Warner’s situation say there is a chance that Warner’s rehab could be going well enough for him to make a cameo in the NFC Championship Game if San Francisco is a participant or more likely Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, should it win the conference title. And even then, it would likely be in spot duty, as any early return might put Warner at risk of further injury.
Even 49ers general manager John Lynch appears to be optimistic about the possibility of Warner returning to the field for San Francisco at some point during the postseason.
“I think it’s a thing that will remain to be seen,” Lynch said of Warner’s status moving forward, via KNBR Radio. “But I know he’s putting his heart and soul and his incredible work ethic to work every single day in an effort to do that.”
If Warner can get back and the 49ers are still rolling as they have been, it would be a game-changer for the storied franchise, just at the right time, giving San Francisco a better shot of going the distance and winning it all against some tough playoff-bound teams.
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