SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ regular-season home finale is now a must-win to secure a top-two seed for the NFC playoffs that begin next week.
The 49ers (12-4) entered Sunday in the No. 2-seed role by virtue of a tiebreaker over the Minnesota Vikings, who were the first to reach a 13-4 record Sunday by winning 29-13 at Chicago.
The 49ers’ inactive list reflects a desire to go for a 10th straight win.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel returns from a three-game absence, Elijah Mitchell will suit up for only his fifth game this year and offensive catalyst Christian McCaffrey will play despite being limited in practice by ankle and knee issues. Defensive linemen Arik Armstead (illness, foot, ankle) and Javon Kinlaw (illness, knee) also are active after being listed as questionable.
Defensive end Drake Jackson and tight end Ross Dwelley were deactivated Sunday, joining quard Aaron Banks (ankle, knee), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (back), quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (foot), defensive lineman Kevin Givens (knee), and cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) got ruled out Friday.
CARDINALS INACTIVES
David Blough will start as the Cardinals’ quarterback as they inactivated Colt McCoy, along with running back James Conner, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, cornerback Marco Wilson, linebacker Zaven Collins, cornerback Antonio Hamilton, lineman Lecitus Smith, wide receiver Robbie Anderson and defensive lineman Zach Allen.
NEXT SEASON’S OPPONENTS
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ AFC South-clinching win Saturday night also assured them a home game against the 49ers in next season’s schedule. Here is the complete list of the 49ers’ opponents, with dates and times to be announced likely in May:
HOME: Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks, Cowboys, Giants, Ravens, Bengals, Buccaneers.
AWAY: Cards, Rams, Seahawks, Commanders, Steelers, Browns, Eagles, Vikings, Jaguars.
#49ers 2023 regular season:
HOME
Cards
Rams
Seahawks
Cowboys
Giants
Ravens
Bengals
Bucs
AWAY
Cards
Rams
Seahawks
Commanders
Steelers
Browns
Eagles
Vikings
Titans or Jags winner tonight— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 8, 2023
RYANS ANTI-TEXANS?
Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is “not expected to pursue” the Houston Texans’ coaching position if they dismiss Lovie Smith, according to long-time NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. “Ryans once filed a lawsuit against the Texans and the NFL seeking damages and alleging issues with the field surface’s design and construction after suffering a torn Achilles at NRG Stadium on Nov. 2, 2014,” Wilson wrote for click2Houston.com. “Ryans is expected to be picky as he pursues head-coaching opportunities and isn’t in a rush to leave the 49ers’ high-caliber defense.”
Ryans interviewed last year for the Minnesota Vikings’ position and turned down a second interview before the job went to Kevin O’Connell.
RUNNY TO SUNNY SKIES
Rain that’s besieged the Bay Area the past two weeks gave way Sunday morning to sunny skies, which could turn cloudy but no rain is forecast until Sunday night. The occasionally tricky winds are projected to clock in at 8 mph during the game, though gusts are possible.
Source: www.mercurynews.com