Last week, very few expected them to eliminate the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. In fact, during that game, they suffered another heavy blow, losing tight end George Kittle to an Achilles injury.

However, Brock Purdy is still on track to reach the Super Bowl and now faces a huge challenge visiting the Seattle Seahawks. Another chapter in the great NFC West rivalry, in which, as has been the case all year, the 49ers will be without several stars.

Why is Fred Warner not playing today for 49ers against Seahawks in 2026 NFL playoffs?

Fred Warner is not playing today for the 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks because the linebacker has not recovered from his ankle injury. Although he practiced several times during the week, he is still not at 100 percent. While there is a slim chance he could return if San Francisco clinch a ticket to the NFC Championship Game, the most realistic outlook is that Warner may be available for the Super Bowl.

Why is Nick Bosa not playing today for 49ers vs Seahawks in Divisional Round of 2026 NFL playoffs?

Nick Bosa is not playing today with the 49ers against the Seahawks because he suffered an ACL injury in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, the star defensive player has been officially out for the rest of the season.

A month ago, the 49ers placed Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list. The team cited a knee issue for the wide receiver, and the move officially ended his participation for the remainder of the season.

As for Nick Bosa, he suffered a torn ACL four months ago and underwent surgery to repair it. The injury immediately sidelined him for the entire 2025 NFL season, though he is expected to be ready for the 2026 campaign.

The 49ers appear done with Brandon Aiyuk

The relationship between the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk now appears to be completely fractured. According to reports, placing him on the reserve list sent a clear message that the organization may be ready to move on from the wide receiver.

Aiyuk originally suffered a torn ACL during the 2024 NFL season. While he returned in 2025, NFL Media reported that he was not in the best mindset during his comeback and remained distant throughout his rehabilitation process.

Rumors suggest this situation was the final breaking point for San Francisco. Ahead of the 2026 offseason, the 49ers are reportedly preparing to part ways with Aiyuk. Trading him is viewed as the primary option, though releasing him has not been ruled out.

Will Nick Bosa return with the 49ers in 2026?

At the beginning of the 2025 NFL season, Nick Bosa suffered one of the most devastating injuries a football player can face. He tore his ACL and immediately underwent surgery, with his recovery timeline pointing toward the 2026 preseason.

According to NFL Media, Bosa is expected to return to the 49ers in 2026. He still has three years remaining on the contract extension he signed in 2023, and San Francisco is hopeful their star pass rusher will be ready for the start of the upcoming season.

Now they will have to face the postseason playing practically all of their games on the road after a devastating schedule in which they have been hit by many injuries. For example, the 49ers lost early Nick Bosa and also had to deal with the contract controversy of Brandon Aiyuk.

However, the hope of playing a Super Bowl in Santa Clara still exists for Kyle Shanahan. The first obstacle will be to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round.

What happens if 49ers lose today against Eagles in 2026 playoffs?

If the 49ers lose today against the Eagles in the 2026 NFL playoffs, they will be eliminated. That would end any aspirations they had of being one of the few teams to play a Super Bowl at home.

What happens if 49ers beat Eagles in playoffs?

If the 49ers defeat the Eagles, they will advance to the Divisional Round as the No. 6 seed. That would mean their next opponent would be the Seahawks on the road. There is no other possible scenario than going to Seattle.

What happens if 49ers and Eagles tie today in playoffs?

If the 49ers and Eagles tie in the 2026 playoffs, the game would have to go to overtime. It is important to remember that under the new NFL rules, each team must have possession of the ball at least once. This would only be avoided if the defense scores a safety on the first drive.

What happens if Eagles lose today to 49ers in 2026 playoffs?

If the Eagles lose against the 49ers, they will be officially eliminated, opening a very interesting debate about the future of Nick Sirianni as head coach. After many controversies between Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, the wide receiver could also be on his way out with a loss.

The starts to the NFL campaign couldn’t be any more different for the Niners and Phins. While San Fran manages to escape with close wins even without Purdy, Miami can’t secure a victory, and Tua’s leash is only getting shorter. Still, stranger things have happened, and the two opposite-coast organizations might become trade partners sooner or later.

San Francisco has a major hole to fill in its defensive front-seven after losing Bosa for the remainder of the season to a torn ACL. Miami is headed for the league’s basement, and the garage sale might open up down in South Florida. If that happens, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips is believed to be a player drawing significant attention in Vice City.

According to reports from Pro Football Network, Phillips could be just what the doctor ordered for a team like the 49ers. However, it might engage in a competition with other sides like the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

California dreaming

Born in Redlands, California (in the outskirts of San Bernardino), joining the Niners might be a dream come true for the former first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Phillips already lived out one big aspiration when he was drafted by the Dolphins after playing his final year of college for the Miami Hurricanes. However, prior to his stint in Coral Gables, the outside linebacker had played for the UCLA Bruins in his home state. Now, an unparalleled opportunity to return home might be presenting itself to the 26-year-old defender.

Starkly different realities

Moreover, it seems the championship window has closed in Miami. Meanwhile, if the 49ers can weather the storm, who’s to say what the ceiling is for the organization in the Golden State? Like buildings in San Francisco, perhaps the Niners are built to bend and not break. However, that will be put to the test as they face a tough schedule with key injuries in nearly every area.

It’s still early in the 2025 NFL season, though. Tagovailoa and the Dolphins aren’t giving up just yet, with 14 games left to be played. However, if Miami continues its downward spiral, the Niners would be wise to dial up the 305 area code and work out a deal with the Dolphins.

As for Miami, parting ways with a homegrown draft pick is far from ideal. Especially when it comes to one of the few first-round selections the Dolphins actually got right in recent years. Still, Phillips has yet to sign an extension ahead of his rookie deal expiring this offseason.

In a way, tossing in the towel now might be better than watching Phillips walk as a free agent after the season ends. Frankly, Miami’s year could be over long before that.

The 49ers felt the blow of losing their star edge rusher Bosa for the remainder of the 2025 season after he suffered a torn right ACL. All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner tried to capture the impact of Bosa’s long-term absence when speaking to reporters at 49ers practice on Wednesday in Santa Clara.

“I’m sick. I’m so sick for him, because he knows what it’s like to go through that process – a recovery from that injury, which I know he’s fully capable of,” Warner said when asked about team morale. “But that doesn’t make it any easier. Obviously, it’s a huge deal for our team. But we move forward.”

“I hate to say ‘next-man-up mentality,’ because you can’t just replace him with one player. But the mission is still the same. We’re going to find a way to get one win this week, and we’ll figure out the rest later.”

Bosa had been in a groove

Bosa was on a tear before suffering his third ACL tear (the third of his career dating back to high school) during San Francisco’s 16-15 Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium.

How Bosa and the team are coping

Beyond Warner’s remarks, the injury is especially hard for a passionate competitor like Bosa. Warner spoke with him and confirmed the star lineman is as devastated as everyone else. Understanding Bosa’s injury history makes the absence that much harder to absorb.

“I sat and talked with him right when he found out,” Warner said. “We spoke about it, and obviously, he’s devastated; we’re devastated for him. We’re just praying for him, and whenever he gets the surgery, it goes well and his recovery is smooth.” Warner and his teammates know that the 49ers’ star defensive lineman will return and come back stronger than ever next NFL season.

Following the game, Trent Williams, a key 49ers teammate of Bosa and Purdy, addressed the media as the team celebrated their Week 3 victory over the Cardinals, improving to a 3-0 record. Williams delivered a poignant message regarding Bosa’s absence. “I don’t really know what will happen; I don’t coach him, but anytime you lose a guy and he doesn’t come back, it’s hard,” Williams stated. “I was thinking about him in the game-winning drive.”

Williams went on to express the team’s sentiments: “It’s cliché to say, but with the next-man-up mentality, when you lose someone like that, you need three or four guys to replace him. Fortunately, we have the depth.”

Losing Bosa could be a significant challenge for the 49ers‘ defense, given his leadership and impact on the field. However, the team is currently on a winning streak and has the depth to adapt without Bosa, as he is unable to participate in the upcoming matchups.

Bosa’s impact on the 49ers so far this season

Bosa has been a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense, and his absence will be acutely felt as it is confirmed. Known for his leadership across various positions, Bosa has emerged as a prominent figure, leaving a significant imprint on the team’s defensive prowess.

In just the first few games this season, Bosa has amassed 17 combined tackles, comprising 9 solo and 8 assisted tacklesm along with 4 tackles for loss (TFLs) and 3 quarterback hits. His contributions were instrumental in the team securing a 3-0 record to start the season. Unfortunately, his pivotal presence was cut short when he exited Week 3’s game at the end of the first quarter.

Fred Warner poised to fill Bosa’s void

According to statements from Williams, the 49ers possess depth that could mitigate the loss of Bosa and other starters whose availability remains uncertain. Chief among these potential stand-ins is Fred Warner, who has consistently delivered strong performances throughout the season.

The 49ers fan base faithful have taken to social media to express their support, sending prayers and hopeful messages. Fans remained eager for positive news concerning his return and the continuation of his impactful role in the roster as the team faces upcoming challenges in the NFL, but now they are facing the reality with him injured.

According to a report by Eric Branch in the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers are reportedly considering Jonathan Allen, a seasoned defensive player who is expected to be released by the Commanders. Allen brings proven experience and could be a highly valuable addition to the 49ers’ defensive lineup.

Teaming up with Nick Bosa and other key players, Allen could significantly enhance the 49ers’ defense for the upcoming season. Last season, Allen was somewhat limited due to a muscle injury that kept him off the field, allowing him to participate in only eight games, where he recorded 19 tackles and seven quarterback hits.

While the Commanders have not been known for having the best defense overall, individual performances from certain players have stood out. Allen is widely regarded as one of the top defensive linemen who will be available in the NFL market, making him a potentially impactful acquisition.

Jonathan Allen value as a veteran DL

Allen has been a cornerstone of the Washington Commanders’ defense since being drafted in 2017. Over his eight seasons, Allen has consistently demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, amassing 42.0 sacks and 401 combined tackles. His versatility on the defensive line, playing both defensive tackle and end, has made him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes.

His performance peaked in 2021 and 2022, earning Pro Bowl honors in both seasons. During these years, he recorded 16.5 sacks and 127 combined tackles, showcasing his ability to dominate in the trenches. His leadership and consistent production have solidified his reputation as one of the Commanders’ most reliable defensive players over the past decade.

Speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area, Bosa expressed his desire to see Greenlaw back with the 49ers next season. “Obviously, we want him back. I know Saleh is very adamant about that.” However, he acknowledged that the final decision rests with Greenlaw. “[Greenlaw] is going to do what’s best for him, and he should do that at this point in his career.”

Greenlaw has been with the 49ers since the 2019 season, spending his entire NFL career in San Francisco. His 2022 and 2023 campaigns were among his best, recording over 100 combined tackles in each. However, injuries limited him in 2024, holding him to just nine tackles.

Beyond Greenlaw’s future, Bosa also expressed his excitement about Robert Saleh rejoining the team to strengthen the defense. “Familiar face, a guy that I’ve missed. Kind of didn’t know how good we had it when he was there. He FaceTimed me recently, and it was just great to see him. He’s a great person and an awesome coach, so I’m excited.”

Greenlaw’s 2024 Salary and Future Contract

Greenlaw earned a base salary of $8.1 million in 2024, the final year of his two-year, $16.4 million contract signed in 2022. At 27 years old, he could be in line for another significant deal, potentially worth even more.

49ers’ Defensive Struggles and Saleh’s Impact

Bosa believes Saleh can help revive a defense that ranked 29th out of 32 teams last season. The return of the former defensive coordinator appears to be a move head coach Kyle Shanahan also wanted. “I know Kyle, I talked to him before I left, and he was excited to try to pursue him. I haven’t talked to Kyle, but I’m sure he’s resting easy.”

Bosa and Warner were adamant that the team’s mentality remained steadfast despite their playoff hopes being dashed. “I think it’s good,” Bosa said. “It’s obviously not where you want to be this time of year. It’s different. Especially watching where we were at last year against this team. That feeling of December, January football is one I’ve gotten used to.”

Bosa added that, while players are mindful of protecting their health, allowing the team to quit on itself is never an option. “It’s still our job, and we know the work we have to do,” Bosa remarked.

Fred Warner, who has been playing through a fractured ankle since Week 4, echoed those sentiments. Warner could easily justify sitting out the 49ers’ final two games but remained resolute in his decision to play. “I could never,” Warner said. “I’m for sure going to be playing. I think there’s an integrity to the game, an integrity to your team. If you are able and willing, you have to be out there in that 49ers red, on that field, regardless of the situation.”

The importance of finishing strong

For the San Francisco 49ers, closing out a disappointing season with effort and professionalism is not just a matter of pride but also a critical step in laying a strong foundation for the future. While early playoff elimination is a bitter pill for the team and its fanbase, how they approach these final games can shape their mindset and influence evaluations of both individual and collective performance.

The commitment to playing hard until the final whistle provides the coaching staff and front office with an invaluable lens to assess their roster. Players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, who have demonstrated leadership and determination, set the tone for the rest of the team. Warner’s grit—playing through injury since Week 4—exemplifies the resilience and character expected of a championship-caliber squad.

Additionally, the final stretch offers an opportunity to test young talent and role players who could become key contributors in the next season. These games allow the team to experiment with tactical adjustments and rotations, helping identify strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for the offseason.

A message to fans: The 49ers’ fighting spirit lives on

The decision to compete with full effort, even in a lost season, sends a clear message to the 49ers’ faithful: this is not a team that gives up. That determination aligns with the franchise’s storied history of resilience and excellence.

For fans, watching players like Warner insist on suiting up despite the circumstances underscores the deep connection between the team and its supporters. Every tackle, every play, and every ounce of effort in these final games is a testament to the players’ commitment to the iconic red and gold jersey. Ultimately, the 49ers’ fight to the finish is about more than just closing out a season—it’s about honoring the past, building for the future, and upholding the integrity of the game.

In statements recorded by Kevin Krueger, Bosa revealed that he noticed Campbell’s behavior in the locker room before the 49ers’ game against the Rams, saying, “I heard some complaining, and… I was gonna say something but didn’t, because I don’t want to create more of a distraction but kind of felt it.”

Bosa admitted he had a sense of what might happen after hearing Campbell’s remarks pregame but didn’t expect the events to unfold as they did: “Yes, I kind of saw it foreshadowing, definitely think it’s going to result in that. Didn’t know what happened during the game but…”

When asked by reporters if he regretted not speaking up earlier, Nick Bosa was clear: “Not really. If he [Campbell] was gonna do that, then he’s not the type of guy to be here, so it is no shock.” It’s worth noting that Campbell had only recently joined the 49ers as a temporary replacement while Dre Greenlaw was injured.

Deommodore Lenoir Loses Respect for Campbell

Another 49ers player, Deommodore Lenoir, also spoke out about Campbell. Initially, Lenoir was excited about Campbell’s arrival, seeing it as much-needed reinforcement for the defense. However, after witnessing Campbell’s behavior, Lenoir admitted he lost all respect for him.

De’Vondre Campbell’s NFL Experience

Campbell is no stranger to the league. He debuted with the Falcons in 2016 and played there until 2019. In 2020, he joined the Cardinals before moving to the Packers from 2021 to 2023, where he earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2021.

According to Matt Lively of CBS Bay Area, Garoppolo was seen greeting several of his former teammates after the 49ers’ 12-6 loss to the Rams. He offered to send jerseys to Nick Bosa and George Kittle while exchanging a few words and hugs with his old friends.

Another notable moment came when Garoppolo briefly shook hands with Brock Purdy. While their exchange was quick, it was clear that the 49ers‘ starting quarterback holds respect for his former mentor, having backed him up during Jimmy’s final months in San Francisco.

Garoppolo departed from the 49ers in 2022, signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played for just one season. He eventually joined the Los Angeles Rams, taking on a backup role behind Matthew Stafford.

Garoppolo Hasn’t Played in 2024

The last time Garoppolo stepped onto the field to throw a pass was on October 30, 2023, during an away game against the Detroit Lions. The Raiders lost that game 26-14, with Garoppolo throwing an interception. His most recent touchdown pass came earlier that month, on October 15, in a home game against the Patriots.

What Is Garoppolo’s Salary with the Rams?

Garoppolo signed a one-year contract with the Rams, which includes a $1,968,750 signing bonus and a 2024 base salary of $1,075,556, bringing the total contract value to $3,044,305. Over his NFL career, the quarterback has earned more than $150 million.