Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers come into this game without George Kittle. They do get a healthier version of Trent Williams and add Ricky Pearsall to the active roster.
Dee Winters should be better next to Eric Kendricks, while Luke Gifford, the team leader in special teams tackles, will help the team on coverage units.
Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and Demarcus Robinson are the best wide receiver trio on the roster. The 49ers will be able to get more accomplished with those three on the field. The loss of Kittle stings, so we’ll see how Kyle Shanahan plans to replace an All-Pro tight end.
The obvious answer is Christian McCaffrey. He’s been the answer as a receiver. Last week, McCaffrey ran multiple routes down the field. That felt like a segue to what we will see tonight.
The success of the defense will be determined by execution. Missed tackles, coverage busts, overrunning plays, and not being where you’re supposed to cost the Niners in Week 18. If they can clean those mistakes up, the 49ers will be playing next week alongside Fred Warner.
