San Francisco 49ers Push Through Injuries and Make Roster Move Ahead of Key Playoff Game Against EaglesÂ
The San Francisco 49ers have faced a season filled with adversity due to a series of injuries, but despite these challenges, they have successfully made their way into the playoffs. This weekend, they are set to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. However, the 49ers are still dealing with injury setbacks, and as a result, they made another important move to shore up their roster, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Linebacker Depth Hit with Tatum Bethune’s Injury
Rapoport reported on X that the 49ers have signed linebacker Eric Kendricks from the practice squad to the active roster and placed linebacker Tatum Bethune on Injured Reserve (IR). Bethune’s injury occurred during the team’s recent 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, marking another blow for the 49ers’ defense. The loss of Bethune is particularly significant since he had stepped up as a replacement after Fred Warner went down earlier in the season. With Bethune now out for the remainder of the season, the 49ers have turned to Kendricks, who will likely step into a starting role against the Eagles.
49ers’ Run Defense Struggling and Needing Improvement
The timing of the move is crucial as the 49ers’ run defense will need to bounce back after a challenging week. Last weekend, they allowed Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to rush for 97 yards on 16 carries. In addition, rookie Zach Charbonnet had a solid performance, rushing 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown. Although the 49ers held the Seahawks to just 13 points, much of that success was attributed to Seattle’s turnovers and missed field goals, rather than dominant defense.
Now, the 49ers’ defense faces an even tougher challenge in the form of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley. While both have been inconsistent this season, their ability to break through defenses remains a significant concern. Both Hurts and Barkley have had success against the 49ers in previous matchups, adding an extra layer of urgency for San Francisco’s defensive unit.
Eric Kendricks Joins the Active Roster After a Storied Career
Eric Kendricks, a former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, brings valuable experience to the 49ers’ defense. Kendricks earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2019, solidifying his place as one of the league’s top linebackers. After spending eight seasons with the Vikings, Kendricks played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 before joining the 49ers in 2025. His addition to the 49ers’ active roster is a move aimed at bolstering the linebacking corps as they head into the playoff matchup with the Eagles.
Injuries Continue to Pile Up for the 49ers
This latest move comes after a season filled with key injuries for the 49ers. The team already lost Fred Warner for a period, and the injury to Mykel Williams also ended his season prematurely. However, the most significant injury came early on when defensive star Nick Bosa suffered a setback. These injuries have tested the depth of the 49ers’ roster all year, but they have managed to keep fighting and stay competitive. With a playoff berth secured, the 49ers will look to use their resilience to power through the remaining challenges and make a run at the Super Bowl.
Moving Forward: The 49ers’ Road to Victory
The 49ers’ season has been a testament to their ability to overcome adversity. As they head to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Eagles, they will need to continue relying on their depth and the leadership of head coach Kyle Shanahan. While the Eagles will certainly present a tough challenge, the 49ers’ defense, led by the newly signed Eric Kendricks, will be tasked with slowing down an offense that is explosive and unpredictable.
In the postseason, every game counts, and the 49ers’ ability to adjust to the ever-changing landscape of injuries and roster moves will be key. As they make their final preparations for the showdown with the Eagles, the 49ers know that their path to the Super Bowl will not be easy, but their determination to push through is something that has defined their season. Now, it’s time to see if they can take their playoff experience and turn it into championship contention.
Conclusion: Can the 49ers Defy the Odds and Reach the Super Bowl?
With a roster hit by injuries but still packed with talent, the San Francisco 49ers will enter their playoff matchup against the Eagles with something to prove. The recent roster moves—signing Eric Kendricks to the active roster—highlight the team’s ongoing commitment to staying competitive despite their challenges. The upcoming game will test the 49ers’ resilience, but if they continue to play with the same grit they’ve shown all season, they could very well make a deep playoff run. As the postseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the 49ers adjust and whether they can overcome the injuries and obstacles that have defined their season.
