At a Glance
- Only 1 of 22 Eagles starters is on injured reserve for the wild-card game
- Lane Johnson, Nakobe Dean, Marcus Epps are questionable but could return
- 49ers have 4 key defenders on IR, including Fred Warner and Nick Bosa
- Why it matters: Health edge could tilt playoff opener at the Linc
The Eagles enter Sunday’s wild-card round against the 49ers with their healthiest roster in years, a stark contrast to the battered San Francisco squad.
Injury Report Advantage
Philadelphia expects 21 of 22 starters to suit up; only rookie safety Drew Mukuba (ankle surgery) is ruled out. Coach Nick Sirianni credits year-round maintenance and smart practice intensity for the slim injured list.
> “You’ve got to have your players available… our guys do such a good job of using the resources they have, taking care of themselves,” Sirianni said.
49ers’ Mounting Losses
San Francisco already placed:
- LB Fred Warner
- DE Nick Bosa
- DT Mykel Williams
- LB Tatum Bethune (out Monday with groin injury)
Trent Williams, Ricky Pearsall and Keion White remain limited.
Wild-Card Health History
| Playoff Run | Starters Healthy | Final Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 (Pederson) | <100 % | Super Bowl LII win |
| 2022 (Sirianni) | 22/22 | Super Bowl LVII loss |
| 2024 (Sirianni) | 21/22 | Super Bowl LIX loss |
Key Takeaways
- Eagles’ Week-18 rest day avoided new injuries despite seeding cost
- Marcus Epps has stabilized the secondary since replacing Mukuba
- Philadelphia’s training staff earns praise for back-to-back near-healthy postseasons
- 49ers’ defense could be without four opening-day starters at the Linc
A healthy roster won’t guarantee victory, but it’s an edge the Eagles have earned and the 49ers currently lack.
