The 49ers’ Week 14 showdown in New Orleans against the Saints could wind up playing a significant role in how the postseason shakes out. A win for San Francisco may be the difference between whether the NFC goes through the Bay Area or New Orleans.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic about the team’s health going into that contest. He expects running back Matt Breida, left tackle Joe Staley and defensive end Dee Ford to all return against New Orleans. Shanahan does not anticipate the return of wide receiver Dante Pettis, who injured his knee in practice leading up to the Baltimore game.
“I’m holding out hope on all of them,” Shanahan said. “I’m definitely more optimistic about Breida, Ford and Staley. I would be surprised to get Pettis back. None of them are for sure, though. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get three of the four.”
Breida hurt his ankle in Week 10 against Seattle and the team shut him down after he played on an ankle injury for most of last season. He’s been out the last three games, and missed the contest in Baltimore despite practicing all week.
Staley also returned to practice last week after sustaining a hand injury against the Seahawks. He missed three games after he had surgery to repair a fractured, dislocated finger. That game against Seattle was his first since breaking his fibula in Week 2 vs. the Bengals. He’s played in just three games all season.
Ford missed the last two games against the Packers and Ravens after he injured his hamstring chasing down Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in their second meeting in Week 11. He hasn’t practiced at all the last two weeks.
Several key 49ers will be day-to-day after getting hurt Sunday. DJ Jones is nursing an ankle sprain. Richard Sherman is dealing with a knee sprain, and Jaquiski Tartt has a fractured rib. Shanahan didn’t offer any word on their potential availability, although we’ll find out more Wednesday when the team has its first practice of the week.
The only player who’ll for sure miss significant time is defensive lineman Jullian Taylor. He hurt ligaments in his elbow and will be out at least two weeks according to Shanahan.