The Philadelphia Eagles have the San Francisco 49ers rolling into town for an NFC Wild Card showdown, but it appears these teams are heading in two different directions in terms of health.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was a guest on "Good Morning Football" on Thursday and revealed that 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams' status for this game is in doubt with a hamstring injury. The same can be said with receiver Ricky Pearsall, who has been dealing with a PCL injury all season long. Neither player practiced on Wednesday.
As for the Eagles, veteran blocker Lane Johnson was back at practice on Wednesday after dealing with a Lisfranc sprain on Nov. 16 against the Lions, limiting him since. It's also worth noting that linebacker Nakobe Dean (hamstring) was back at practice for the Eagles. With the most important game of the season approaching, Philadelphia seems to be getting healthier while the 49ers can't say the same.
Eagles Are Getting Healthy While the 49ers Are Doing the Opposite
Williams was injured in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears, which led to him being sidelined for the season finale. If he can't go, that's a big loss for the offensive line of the 49ers. Williams is one of the best tackles in the NFL and provides quarterback Brock Purdy with a stalwart to protect his blindside.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams was the No. 12-graded tackle in terms of pass blocking this season (79.9), with only four of his 32 pressures resulting in sacks. He's only given up seven sacks since the start of the 2021 season despite playing nearly 2,700 pass-blocking downs during that stretch.
If Williams can't go, it means that Austen Pleasants will get the start at left tackle. He's struggled when given a chance this year, allowing five pressures on 72 pass protection opportunities in the last two games. It's a clear drop in production, which would work in the Eagles' favor. As for Pearsall, he's recorded 528 receiving yards this season, but with him expected to be sidelined, it's one less playmaker for them, as George Kittle is coming back from an ankle injury himself.
The 49ers will need to lean on their backups, as they reported earlier in the week that linebacker Tatum Bethune won't be on the field. From the Eagles' point of view, this is ideal. Getting any advantage you can get in the playoffs could go a long way.
Potentially getting Johnson back on the offensive line is a massive bonus. Prior to going down, the Eagles fan favorite has allowed seven total pressures, with zero sacks given up.
Continuing to see how he looks in practice will be key, but the arrow is pointing up for his and Dean's return. The same can't be said for the 49ers, as it looks like they'll be at a clear disadvantage against the Eagles this weekend.