Sunday’s matchup between the 49ers and Vikings might as well be a play-in game for one of the NFC’s Wild Card playoff spots Both teams can make the playoffs without winning, but it gets exponentially easier with a win.
The last time San Francisco hosted Minnesota, it was a 27-10 NFC Divisional Round win, on the back of 47 carries (a Shanahan-era high for the 49ers), 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns, led by Tevin Coleman.
If they intend to replicate that blueprint, they’ll have a much better chance with Elijah Mitchell back in the lineup. He’ll return after missing last week with a fractured finger. They’ll still be without JaMycal Hasty, but linebacker Dre Greenlaw is active for the first time since the season opener, after being activated from injured reserve this week.
49ers inactives:
DL Maurice Hurst
RB JaMycal Hasty
OL Colton McKivitz
DL Jordan Willis
Minnesota will be without star edge rusher Everson Griffen, who was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. It’s inactive list is below.
Vikings inactives:
QB Kellen Mond
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
CB Harrison Hand
LB Chazz Surratt
CB Camryn Bynum
G Wyatt Davis