The San Francisco 49ers opened Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans with a mixed sheet, as multiple players did not practice, a key offensive piece returned in a limited capacity, and veterans were managed on rest.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk was limited after a rib fracture sustained before the bye. Linebackers Tatum Bethune (ankle) and Nick Martin (concussion) did not practice, and edge rusher Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) remained out.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted a planned window for Yetur Gross-Matos and flagged calf tightness for Eric Kendricks, while confirming a special teams boost with kicker Eddy Piñeiro back to full participation. Practice work through Thursday and Friday will clarify availability ahead of Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Which San Francisco 49ers Key Players Are Injured?
Kyle Juszczyk
Limited on Wednesday following a rib fracture sustained before the bye. He returned to drills and may remain limited as staff gauges tolerance and risk of aggravation; game status will be clarified by week’s end.
Tatum Bethune
Did not practice due to a high ankle sprain. Reporting and team remarks indicate he remains out of teamwork; Curtis Robinson is positioned to start again if Bethune is inactive on Sunday.
Brandon Aiyuk
Not listed on Wednesday’s initial injury report. No new designation was issued; availability will be confirmed via subsequent practice participation and final transactions before inactives.
Sam Okuayinonu
Did not practice with a high ankle sprain. Recent reporting points to another likely absence as medical staff seeks to protect his return timeline.
Nick Martin
Did not practice and remains in concussion protocol with ongoing symptoms from the Browns game. Independent clearance steps make a Sunday return unlikely.
Eric Kendricks
Veteran LB Eric Kendricks is day-to-day with calf tightness and was not listed on Wednesday’s report. The staff will manage his workload and reassess participation later in the week before setting his game status against the Titans.
“He’s got a tight calf today, so I’m not sure how much he’s going to go today — if he’s going to go,” Shanahan told reporters. “But he’s working back into here. Hopefully, it’s not too bad of a setback with that, but we’ll see him when he gets on the field.”
Eddy Piñeiro
K Eddy Piñeiro returned as a full participant after a hamstring injury and is on track to kick versus the Titans. The team released Matt Gay, clearing his roster path. Final status will be confirmed after late-week work.
“It was a little frustrating because I haven’t missed a game in almost four years,” Piñeiro said on Wednesday. “So, missing those two games is very frustrating for me, but we’re back.” He was a full participant on Wednesday after a hamstring issue; the team released Matt Gay, clearing the way for him to play.
Kevin Givens
Did not participate on Wednesday due to a personal matter. Status will be updated in subsequent reports; the club will adjust interior rotation based on availability.
Trent Williams
Did not participate on Wednesday as a resting player. Managed usage aligns with the veteran’s weekly plan; he typically returns later in the practice cycle.
Christian McCaffrey
Did not participate on Wednesday as a resting player. Managed usage aligns with the veteran’s weekly plan; he typically returns later in the practice cycle.
Kurtis Rourke
Full participant on Wednesday after a knee designation earlier; he returned to full work with no limitations reported.
The 49ers’ early-week sheet blends rest management, rehab timelines, and a limited return for a core offensive piece. Juszczyk’s progress provides flexibility in short-yardage and special packages, while Bethune and Martin trending out shifts linebacker snaps toward Robinson and depth options.
Okuayinonu’s absence continues to challenge edge rotation; Piñeiro’s full return stabilizes special teams. Veteran rest for McCaffrey and Williams remains consistent with December planning. Expect clarity via Thursday and Friday practice reports, potential window openings and activations, and the inactive list that will lock roles before kickoff against Tennessee.
