Injury-Plagued Clash: 49ers vs Eagles Wild Card Preview

The NFC Wild Card round brings a high-stakes showdown as the San Francisco 49ers (12-5) travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) on Sunday afternoon. With the 2026 NFL playoff intensity rising, injuries on both sides could play a major role in deciding who moves on.

Injury Report – Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia’s biggest concern has been on the offensive line, but there is optimism heading into the weekend. Right tackle Lane Johnson practiced Wednesday for the first time after missing six games, a strong sign he may return. While not officially guaranteed to play, Johnson’s presence would be huge for an Eagles offense built on controlling the line of scrimmage. Linebacker Nakobe Dean is also expected to play, giving Philadelphia a boost in communication and run defense, areas where Dean has been especially impactful when healthy.

Injury Report – San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco’s injury situation is more troubling, particularly on defense. Linebacker Fred Warner has been out since Week 6, and his replacement Tatum Bethune suffered a season-ending groin injury in Week 18 after posting 94 tackles. Dee Winters (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, further thinning an already depleted linebacker group, while Luke Gifford remains limited. Veteran Eric Kendricks is expected to step in, bringing experience but limited recent action. On offense, Trent Williams is expected to play despite missing practice with a hamstring issue, though his health is far from ideal. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos are also questionable, adding more uncertainty.

Odds, Favorite, and Pick

• Game Time: 4:30 PM ET, Sunday 1/12
• TV: FOX
• Odds: Eagles -5
• Over/Under: 44.5

Philadelphia enters as the favorite, largely due to home-field advantage and San Francisco’s defensive injuries. If Lane Johnson suits up, the Eagles’ edge in the trenches becomes even more significant.

Final Thought

This matchup feels like a test of depth versus momentum. The 49ers are battle-tested, but their injuries-especially at linebacker-are hard to overlook. With healthier key pieces and the crowd behind them, the pick is Eagles -5, with Philadelphia advancing in a physical, hard-fought Wild Card battle.