With the NFL Wild Card games kicking off this weekend, one team has several players getting healthy just in time for the playoffs.
While the Eagles received positive injury news regarding their stars, the 49ers received the opposite ahead of the Wild Card matchup
After resting their starters in Week 18, the Philadelphia Eagles are on the right track to get many of their stars back in the Wild Card round against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers, on the other hand, could still be missing some key players.
Eagles Injury Updates
The biggest injury-related news for the Eagles came from star right tackle Lane Johnson. Johnson has not played since Week 11 due to a foot injury. There had been speculation throughout the week about his status for this week’s matchup. As the Eagles held their first practice of the week, though, Johnson finally returned to the field and practiced in a limited capacity.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter had this to say Wednesday morning as well regarding Johnson’s status:
“Without speaking to a single person this week about it, I’m going to tell you right now: I would be floored if Lane Johnson didn’t play on Sunday. Like, he’s going to be out there. Let me tell you right now, he’s going to be out there playing.”
That is a very encouraging sign for the Eagles as they look to get their All-Pro tackle back.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles are also getting some reinforcements. Vic Fangio recently stated that he expects linebacker Nakobe Dean to play against the San Francisco 49ers. Dean also practiced in a limited capacity.
Other defensive starters, Jalen Carter (hip) and Marcus Epps (concussion), practiced in a limited capacity as well. Jaelan Phillips (ankle) practiced in a full capacity.
Wednesday’s Injury Report. #SFvsPHI pic.twitter.com/BT8JMUlZzM
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 7, 2026
The Eagles are getting healthy at the right time. Assuming all the aforementioned players are available on Sunday, they will have 21/22 Week 1 starters available for the postseason.
49ers Injury Updates
San Francisco’s injury updates were not as encouraging as the Eagles’ were. Most notably, after missing the team’s Week 18 game against the Seattle Seahawks, left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) did not practice in any capacity. This is a massive development for the 49ers, as they could be without two of their top offensive players heading into the postseason.
San Francisco has been dealing with a ton of injuries throughout the entire season. They are already without their two top defensive players in Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, both of whom suffered season-ending injuries earlier this season. Starting linebacker Tatum Bethune was also placed on the injury reserve today. They have been so heavily decimated by injuries that their two projected starting linebackers for this matchup were not on their Week 1 roster.
Dueling injury reports. 49ers starting DT Jordan Elliott, who was not on Kyle Shanahan's pre-practice report, was added after apparently tweaking his knee in individual drills. pic.twitter.com/dZhddNUykV
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 7, 2026
In a season full of injuries for the 49ers, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. As the Eagles are getting healthy at the right time, the 49ers are doing the opposite, limping to the finish line as football’s most banged-up team. It is up to the Eagles and their coaching staff to find ways to exploit the weaknesses these injuries present.
