The NFC West rivalry takes center stage in the NFL playoffs as the San Francisco 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks in a highly anticipated Divisional Round game. This matchup is a classic postseason battle, with the 49ers looking to advance toward a Super Bowl berth and the Seahawks aiming to pull off a road upset. The intensity of a 49ers vs Seahawks playoff game is always electric, and this edition promises to be no different, with significant storylines surrounding player availability on both sides of the ball.
For the 49ers, the status of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner was a major point of concern leading up to kickoff. Fans searching for ‘is fred warner playing today’ received disappointing news, as the defensive leader was officially ruled out and will not return for this playoff tilt. His absence creates a significant void in the heart of San Francisco’s defense, forcing other players to step up against a dangerous Seahawks offense. In the secondary, safety Ji’Ayir Brown has also been ruled out, further testing the Niners’ defensive depth.
On a positive note for San Francisco, rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is active and returns to the lineup against the Seahawks tonight. There was speculation about whether Pearsall would be limited, but he is cleared to play, providing quarterback Brock Purdy with another weapon. The 49ers also made several roster moves to bolster their lineup, elevating two offensive linemen from the practice squad and signing a former Washington Commanders draft pick for additional depth ahead of this critical contest.
For Seattle, all eyes were on quarterback Sam Darnold, who was dealing with an oblique injury. The Seahawks had expressed uncertainty earlier in the week, stating they ‘didn’t know’ if Darnold would be able to play. However, in a boost for Seattle, Darnold is active for the Seahawks’ Divisional Round game. His availability is crucial for a team looking to engineer an upset on the road. The entire Seahawks game plan likely adjusts based on his health and mobility.
The outcome of this 49ers vs Seahawks matchup carries immense weight. For the top-seeded 49ers, a loss at home would be a catastrophic end to a dominant season. For the Seahawks, a victory would be a statement win, propelling them to the NFC Championship Game and extending their surprising playoff run. With key players like Fred Warner out and Sam Darnold battling through injury, this game will test the depth and resilience of both storied franchises under the bright lights of the postseason.