Golden Nuggets: Linebacker? We hardly know ‘er

49ers’ Kyle Shanahan sees few ties to previous playoff meeting with Eagles (paywall)
“Of course, their thrashing of the Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl was largely the work of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who left to be the Saints’ head coach.

His replacement, Kevin Patullo, has been highly scrutinized for stumbling backward with a similar embarrassment of riches. 

The Eagles rank toward the bottom half of the league in most major offensive categories, including yards per game (24th), passing yards per game (23rd), rushing yards per game (18th), points per game (19th) and third-down conversion rate (24th).

“We know how good Philly is, how good they’ve been,” said Shanahan, who added the Eagles still have a “Super Bowl defense” under coordinator Vic Fangio.“

Linebacker Tatum Bethune will miss the playoffs. Can 49ers survive until Fred Warner returns? (paywall)
“However, Kendricks had offseason shoulder surgery and didn’t return to the NFL until he signed with the 49ers’ practice squad on Nov. 26. He’s since had six tackles in three games while playing 46 snaps.

“I’m real confident in Eric,” Shanahan said. “He’s been here long enough. These games he’s gotten in the last couple weeks, he’s done a good job. I’m glad that we got him for this situation.”

Meanwhile, Shanahan said Winters and Gifford would be evaluated during the week. Winters didn’t return after he was injured in the second quarter when Seahawks left tackle Josh Jones stepped on his left ankle. Winters walked with a severe limp to the locker room. If Winters can’t play against the Eagles, Garret Wallow or Curtis Robinson, both of whom have primarily served as core special-teams players in their career, would start in his place.“

49ers minutia minute: Linebacker-light defense draws well-rested Eagles on Sunday (paywall)
“Pleasants, however, had plenty of company when it came to pass-protection struggles, with McKivitz and Burford surrendering more pressure than he did. The only offensive lineman with a clean sheet — no quarterback pressures — was right guard Puni.

After the game, Shanahan indicated Trent Williams (hamstring) was close to playing against the Seahawks, which suggests he’ll be ready to face the Eagles.“

49ers lose linebacker Tatum Bethune for playoffs after groin injury vs. Seahawks
“Weakside linebacker Dee Winters sustained an ankle injury on Saturday and played 29 of the 49ers’ 69 defensive plays. He will be evaluated throughout the week to determine his status for Sunday’s game, Shanahan said. Winters leads the 49ers with 101 tackles on the season.

The top backups for Winters are Garret Wallow and Curtis Robinson.

Another linebacker, Luke Gifford, also is battling a quadriceps injury and his status is uncertain, too. Gifford was chosen to the NFC Pro Bowl team as a special-teams player.

Defensive lineman Keion White also will be evaluated this week due to a hamstring injury. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ribs) and defensive lineman Kalia Davis (knee tendinitis) are listed as day to day, Shanahan said.“

49ers open 21-day practice window for second-year wide receiver Jacob Cowing
“Cowing had a strong offseason program and looked as if he put himself in position to be a contributor on offense this season. However, he sustained a hamstring injury on the first day of training camp then aggravated the condition upon his return approximately three weeks later.”

Kyle Shanahan shares 49ers updates ahead of playoff game vs. Eagles
“Going back to Philly, obviously it’s a different team than ’22 and ’23, but going back to Philly in ’23 and winning the way you did, for the guys that are still on the team now, do you think that helps them in terms of it’s not all about getting revenge for the 2022 NFC Championship Game knowing that you’ve already been back?

“Yeah, I think those storylines and stuff are great for fans and for people to talk about throughout the week and stuff. But, I don’t think the players think much about that. Especially how many years it is removed on both sides. The guys who were there in ’23 or ’22, I think the best deal is understand the atmosphere of Philly, what it’s like to go there and play a big game and how it can be. It helps guys be more prepared for the moment, but I don’t see much correlation into the previous meetings to this one.”