We have another 49ers-Packers playoff matchup and a trip to the delightfully frigid Green Bay area in store for this weekend. The last two times these teams met in the playoffs, the 49ers notched their trip to the Super Bowl, with a four-touchdown, 220-rushing-yard performance from Raheem Mostert.
The first question, as usual, is whether both teams will be healthy. For the 49ers, that answer is mostly yes. Three players were listed as questionable:
- DE Nick Bosa (concussion)
- CB Ambry Thomas (knee)
- DE Jordan Willis (ankle)
On Bosa, Shanahan said “it’s looking good” for his availability on Saturday, but he still has to clear the concussion protocol. He also thinks Ambry Thomas will be “alright,” with a bone bruise in his knee, but if he’s not, either Josh Norman or Dontae Johnson will start.
As for Jordan Willis, Shanahan said it’s a high ankle sprain, but that he’s had ankle sprains in the past and could be more of an old injury, which he sees as less worrisome. They’ll evaluate him Friday after the flight to Green Bay.
The Packers have more questions, but could be getting a major boost from edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, as well as their All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, who played 27 snaps in the regular season finale against the Detroit Lions, and All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander. Smith is currently on injured reserve and would likely be activated Saturday.
Below is their game status report:
Doubtful
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back)
Questionable
- CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder)
- T David Bakhtiari (knee)
Valdes-Scantling is a huge part of the Packers’ deep passing offense, so his likely absence is consequential even though he’s not the biggest name on that list.