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NFC West, No. 1 Seed on the Line as 49ers Monitor Trent WilliamsHamstring

Protection at left tackle is the prime concern after consecutive missed practices for Trent Williams despite other key 49ers trending toward availability.

Overview

  • George Kittle practiced for a second straight day and said he "absolutely" expects to play after missing Week 17 with an ankle sprain.
  • Christian McCaffrey returned to practice following back stiffness and is expected to be available, with Kyle Juszczyk also trending toward playing after a hip issue.
  • Trent Williams missed both Tuesday and Wednesday with a hamstring injury; ESPN reporting labels him a long shot as John Lynch calls it a tall task on a short week.
  • Austen Pleasants would likely start at left tackle if Williams is out after logging 71 snaps against Chicago and drawing strong run-blocking marks from Pro Football Focus.
  • Saturday night’s winner secures the NFC West title, the NFC’s No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage, with both teams entering on six-game win streaks.