SANTA CLARA — Steady rain overnight and into Saturday morning did not wreak havoc on the Levi’s Stadium field, at least not at first glance as the 49ers warmed up with the Seattle Seahawks before their NFL playoff opener.
About three hours before kickoff, the grounds crew took off a tarp that only went onto the field Thursday evening, after the end zones were painted red to mirror not only the 49ers’ Candlestick Park days but also their 2020 playoff games at 9-year-old Levi’s Stadium.
About an inch of rain fell overnight and before water was squeegeed off the tarp before its removal.
Sporadic showers are forecast to return for the game, more likely toward the fourth quarter. That won’t be a new factor in the 49ers’ season, which opened in a Chicago downpour and resurfaced in November in Mexico City, as well as last month when the 49ers beat the Bucs. The wettest conditions ever at Levi’s Stadium came last season when the 49ers lost to the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 24, 2021.
The National Weather Service expects temperatures in the high 50s, with south-southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with potential gusts of 28 mph.
Tarp is coming up with 3-plus hours until #49ers vs #Seahawks at #LevisStadium.
Rain taking a break until 1:30 pm kickoff pic.twitter.com/xp3Y0dJBMn— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 14, 2023
49ERS INACTIVES
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) is out his sixth straight game, and it’s unknown whether his rehabilitation will have him ready to return later in the playoffs. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that Garoppolo would only comeback as a backup to Brock Purdy, possibly for the NFC Championship Game or the Super Bowl, if they make it that far. Garoppolo has been seen the past month, and as recently as this week, riding a knee scooter with his foot in an orthopedic boot.
Jimmy Garoppolo is eager to get back but Brock Purdy will remain as the starter. The 49ers flew out the Seahawks groundskeeper, Sean Vanos, to help with the wet field conditions in Santa Clara. @JayGlazer has the latest ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/OJ2F5iRx77
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2023
Also out are:
Defensive end Drake Jackson
Running backs Ty Davis-Price and Tevin Coleman
Tight end Ross Dwelley
Cornerback Ambry Thomas
Offensive lineman Nick Zakelj
SEAHAWKS INACTIVE
Out for the Seahawks are seven reserves:
Cornerbacks Artie Burns and Xavier Crawford
Wide receiver Penny Hart
Linebackers Vi Jones and Joshua Onujiogu
Running back Tony Jones Jr.
Source: www.mercurynews.com