The San Francisco 49ers are getting a little bit of justice after one of their key players was injured on a tackle in Sunday’s win over the Titans. Second-year WR Ricky Pearsall caught a simple out route early in the first quarter for an eight yard gain. However, on the tackle, Titans rookie S Kevin Winston Jr. committed an illegal hip-drop tackle and rolled up on the legs of Pearsall, who limped to the sideline and did not return.
A hip-drop tackle involves the defender dropping their hips and swinging their legs through, using their momentum to bring down the ball carrier. It’s particularly effective at stopping the runner from falling forward, which is why it’s popular in the open field and with smaller defenders who need a little extra help. However, because of its high penchant for injury, the NFL banned the technique this past offseason. It’s not often flagged in-game, but defenders who employ it are frequently fined after the fact.
Winston received a $23,186 fine for his tackle on Pearsall. Unfortunately, Pearsall has been ruled out of Monday night’s game against the Colts with knee and ankle injuries. He’s been battling injuries all season, but this tackle certainly made things worse for the 49ers, who will now be without one of their top receivers in a critical game.
The San Francisco 49ers are Finally Getting Healthy on Offense
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 14: Ricky Pearsall #1 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The 49ers have been one of the most injured teams in the entire league throughout this season. And while Pearsall will miss the Colts game and WR Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season (and his time in San Francisco has all but certainly come to an end), the rest of the 49ers offense is looking pretty good for the first time all year.
George Kittle is looking good at tight end, WR Jauan Jennings is battling through some injuries but is getting better, and starting QB Brock Purdy is back and ready to go. The offensive line is cohesive and locked in, as well.
San Francisco’s defense is still pretty beat-up, and that won’t be changing this year. All-Pro LB Fred Warner and All-Pro ED Nick Bosa are done for the season with significant injuries, and rookie first-round ED Mykel Williams is also done for the season. But at least on offense, the 49ers are a team hitting their healthy stride at the right time.
The San Francisco 49ers Can Lock Up a Playoff Berth on Monday
For the 49ers, it’s quite simple. Win on Monday over the Colts, and they will have clinched a playoff berth with two weeks still to go in the regular season.
That’s a great position to be in, and San Francisco got even better news with the Seahawks mounting a massive comeback overtime win over the Rams on Thursday night. With that Seattle win, the 49ers now control their own destiny in the NFC West. If the 49ers win out — which would include a win over the Seahawks in the season finale — they will win the NFC West and potentially earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed, as well.
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