Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

49ers' final injury report will raise excitement for divisional round clash

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated 1/18/24

The San Francisco 49ers head into their divisional round clash with the Green Bay Packers rested and extremely healthy.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers' final injury report for the Niners' primetime playoff clash, and it makes for very encouraging reading for San Francisco.

Defensive end Clelin Ferrell is the only player ruled out for the 49ers, his absence long since confirmed after he suffered a knee injury in Week 18. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead will make a long-awaited return after missing the last five games with foot and knee issues. He does not have an injury designation.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is the only player beyond Ferrell with an injury designation. He is listed as questionable with an Achilles problem, but there is little suggestion he will not line up next to fellow starter Fred Warner.

Injury report

Injury report observations

Armstead's return will be critical to the 49ers, particularly in run defense, an area in which they have struggled in his absence. San Francisco gave up 115.4 yards per game on the ground in his absence and this week faces a running back in Aaron Jones who gashed the Dallas Cowboys for 118 yards and three touchdowns in Green Bay's shock win over the two seed last week.

With Ferrell out, the 49ers will be down one of their more unsung heroes of the season. The former fourth overall pick of the Raiders has not been a dominant pass rusher, but Nick Bosa said last week that Ferrell brought "probably the best effort of anybody on the team".

Chase Young and Randy Gregory will need to replace that effort and ensure they excel at setting the edge against the run game to force Green Bay to be a one-dimensional attack.

Shanahan confirmed backup safety George Odum will be activated before the deadline on Saturday, the core special teamer set to return having not played since being placed on injured reserve with a torn bicep in the Thanksgiving win over the Seattle Seahawks.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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