49ers' O-Line and Receivers Teeter on Playoff Status as Injuries Mount

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San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams and receiver Ricky Pearsall sat out practice on Wednesday, casting uncertainty over their participation in the upcoming wild-card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Coaches expressed hope that both players could return to the field on Thursday, but acknowledged that their status for the playoff game on Sunday is still uncertain. Williams has been dealing with a lingering hamstring injury sustained in a Week 17 game, while Pearsall aggravated a knee injury in the same game. The 49ers offense struggled last week against Seattle's stout defense without Williams and Pearsall, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry on runs to the left side. The team also struggled to find open receivers downfield, with quarterback Brock Purdy failing to attempt a single deep pass. In addition to Williams and Pearsall, linebacker Dee Winters and defensive lineman Keion White also missed practice on Wednesday. The 49ers have signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to replace injured linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. Kendricks, a veteran linebacker with 143 regular-season starts, is expected to start in the playoff game. The team has also signed linebacker Kyzir White to the practice squad, who could be an option for the game this week. Tight end George Kittle, defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, and linebacker Luke Gifford were all limited in practice on Wednesday, while receiver Jacob Cowing remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in training camp. Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized that the team's priority is to make the best possible decision for the upcoming game, regardless of whether it means resting injured players or not. 'Whatever gives us the best chance to win on Sunday, we will do without a doubt,' he said.