FS Adrian Colbert (concussion) will play Sunday against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Colbert has averaged just 3.7 tackles per game through six weeks as a starter, and he'll likely have his hands full against a hot Jaguars squad. Surprisingly enough, Jaguars QB Blake Bortles has been the best signal caller in the NFL during December, making for a very difficult matchup ahead Sunday. The Jags have always had a powerful running attack, but this new emergence of a pass game makes them a truly frightening offensive unit. Even though the 49ers haven't allowed more than 25 points in…read more

SS Eric Reid is battling a knee and rib injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans.

Analysis: The 49ers get a bad rap based on namesake, but their last five outings haven't been all bad. In that span, they've forced five turnovers and haven't allowed an opponent to surpass 24 points or 400 yards. Not outstanding, but not awful either. The Titans struggled severely against the Cardinals last week, accruing just 204 total yards of offense, seven points and yielding two interceptions. Tennessee has coughed the ball up nine times in the last four games, and that trend could continue if the…read more

FS Albert Colbert is dealing with a thumb injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Texans.

Analysis: Colbert was able to play through this injury in Week 13, so it shouldn't be an issue in Week 14. It's a good thing too, as he'll have plenty of opportunities to make some plays on the ball, since the Texans have given it up 10 times in the last four games. The 49ers defense has been keeping its team in games, and the Texans still haven't found consistent production without Deshaun Watson. However, the ceiling is low for the 49ers as they rarely force turnovers, so although they could be a…read more

FS Adrian Colbert (thumb) was limited in Wednesday's practice and it's uncertain if he will play Sunday against the Bears.

Analysis: Colbert slots into the top free safety role because FS Jimmie Ward (forearm) is on injured reserve, so his presence isn't instrumental to the 49ers defense. The Bears aren't a threatening Week 13 matchup, as they've only scored over 20 points once in the last five weeks, including putting up just three points against the Eagles in Week 12. Still, the 49ers have the 30th-ranked run defense in the league and are vulnerable to be exposed by dual-threat running backs Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen…read more

General manager John Lynch said FS Adrian Colbert (thumb) is a long shot to play Sunday against the Seahawks.

Analysis: The one game Colbert has missed this season, the 49ers allowed a season-high 366 passing yards to the Colts, who aren't considered a threatening pass offense. With a highly-skilled Seahawks' receiving corps -- ranked fourth in the league -- on the horizon, San Fran could struggle even worse without their rookie safety. They were able to hold the Seahawks to just 12 points in Week 2, but Seattle has made major improvements since that game, scoring over 20 points in all but two games. The 49ers…read more

DE Solomon Thomas (knee) won't play Sunday against the Giants.

Analysis: Thomas has been averaging under four tackles per game, with only two sacks on the season. Still, his pass rush could be used heavily against a brutal Giants' offensive line. The 49ers defense is ranked 27th in the league, but this matchup is favorable against QB Eli Manning who has completed under 55 percent of his passes over the last four games. The Giants' offense as a whole is a bit of a mess, and their defense continues to keep them in games. However, the upside here for the 49ers isn't…read more

DE Solomon Thomas is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Analysis: The Cardinals have struggled without RB David Johnson, but they looked completely lost when QB Carson Palmer (arm) left Week 7's matchup with the Rams. Now, career-backup Drew Stanton will have the Cardinals' reigns, setting the 49ers up for what could be a solid showing. San Fran was able to hold Arizona to just 18 points in Week 4, and that was a road matchup with Palmer still healthy. Of course, the Cards have found a new spark with RB Adrian Peterson's emergence, but unless they can quickly…read more

LB Reuben Foster injured his ribs in Week 7's matchup against the Cowboys and was limited during Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: The Eagles enter this matchup on a five-game winning streak, scoring at least 26 points in each of these matchups. QB Carson Wentz has also amped his game up to another level over this stretch, tossing 13 touchdowns and just two interceptions, even though he's racked up over 300 yards just once. It's clear this offense is a force to be reckoned with, though. The 49ers have allowed 26.6 points per game, which ranks 30th in the league. Their unit just doesn't look prepared for what the Eagles…read more

Head coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic that LB Reuben Foster (ankle) will return for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Analysis: Having Foster back will be crucial for the 49ers to hang around in this game, especially after RB Ezekiel Elliott's suspension has been put off for another two weeks. San Fran is still looking for its first win of the season, and part of its problem is the lack of help from the 49ers' offensive unit. Regardless, the 49ers' young secondary will be no match for the Cowboys' offense that will have a fully healthy receiving corps. It'll be interesting to see how Foster fares in his first full NFL…read more

LB Reuben Foster (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

Analysis: The 49ers are still searching for their first win, and the defensive unit in San Fran's inconsistency hasn't helped. The 49ers have let up 366 yards per game, which is ranked 28th in the league. Having Foster return would be huge against the Redskins, who have struggled getting a run game going anyways. Still, Washington's QB Kirk Cousins has been playing well through four games, throwing for 1,004 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception. The 49ers have had a tough time this season…read more

LB Reuben Foster (ankle) is listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Colts.

Analysis: Foster logged three solo tackles in 11 defensive snaps against the Panthers in Week 1, but the small sample size shouldn't be used to project his long-term impacts. Of course, having him back should be seen as a plus if it happens. The 49ers are heading into their most favorable matchup of the season in Indy, but their inconsistencies at defense are troubling. Colts' interim quarterback Jacoby Brissett has proven he can post big passing numbers against faulty defenses, as well as make plays…read more

LB Reuben Foster (ankle) is doubtful to play Sunday against the Cardinals.

Analysis: It's clear that Arizona's offense has been struggling without RB David Johnson, but if the Rams were able to put up 41 points on the 49ers, don't you think Arizona can follow suit? The 49ers will be without one of their top linebackers or their starting strong safety, making this a difficult matchup against the speed of the Cardinals' receivers. The floor is obviously low, and the 49ers don't seem to have the ability to force turnovers to make up for the amount of points they're projected to…read more

SS Eric Reid (knee) is not expected to play Thursday against the Rams, and Jaquiski Tartt (neck) is listed as questionable.

Analysis: Tartt is the safety that is supposed to replace Reid, but if he is unable to get healthy, expect undrafted rookie Lorenzo Jerome to make his first career start in the secondary. The 49ers defense has lost both time-of-possession battles this season by wide margins, and with the stellar Rams defense faced off against its measly offense, San Fran's defense may have a hard time staying off the field. Although the 49ers held Seattle to just 12 points in Week 2, Seattle's offensive line has looked…read more

LB Reuban Foster suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Panthers in Week 1 and is expected to miss at least a month.

Analysis: Foster played just 11 snaps in his first NFL game, and he posted three solo tackles. His high-caliber performance in this small sample size makes this injury sting a little more, but Ray-Ray Armstrong was able to fill the void by contributing six tackles the rest of the game. FS Jimmie Ward (hamstring) is expected to return for Sunday's matchup with Seattle. Ward's replacement, Jaquiski Tartt, led the team with seven tackles and added an interception, but he proved to be a liability in cover…read more

FS Jimmie Ward (hamstring) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers.

Analysis: If Ward is unable to play, Jaquiski Tartt will likely move over to free safety instead of putting undrafted rookie Lorenzo Jarome full time. This means that the help over the top will be sufficient, but the 49ers still lack a truly lockdown corner. Some things could fall into place to make this a more favorable matchup, such as Carolina QB Cam Newton (hamstring) being ruled out, as he's currently a game-day decision. Even if this happens, the Panthers boast powerful running backs Jonathan…read more

49ers safety Jimmie Ward (hamstring) isn't certain to be ready in time for Week 1.

Analysis: There isn't a huge sense of concern over Ward's availability, as his hamstring injury isn't considered to be particularly severe. However, he's an important piece the 49ers don't want to subject to the possibility of re-injury, so he likely won't be rushed into action if he isn't healthy. Regardless of whether he does actually give it a go or not, this San Francisco defense isn't a legitimate fantasy option in advance of a Week 1 matchup with Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

San Francisco linebacker Reuben Foster enters his first training camp healthy and looking to bolster the run defense.

Analysis: After finishing with the worst run defense in the league by a wide margin in 2016, the 49ers added Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster to the defense in the first round of April's draft. Thomas is the third straight first-round pick the team used along the defensive line, and Foster was added late in the round. Pairing Foster with NaVarrow Bowman, the 49ers now have two hard hitting, rangy linebackers behind a youthful and deep defensive line. While San Francisco should not be considered anything…read more

The 49ers signed DE Elvis Dumervil to a two-year contract in the offseason.

Analysis: Perhaps surprising to some, the Niners didn't add a whole lot to a defense that surrendered the most rushing yards in team history -- and almost 400 yards more than the 31st-worst team in that category. Nonetheless, Dumervil is one of the pieces they did add. The veteran linebacker joins an extremely young defensive line that features San Francisco's first-round picks from each of the past three years, including 2017 first-rounder Soloman Thomas out of Stanford. If they all can stay healthy for…read more

San Francisco draws a matchup with Seattle in Week 17.

Analysis: The 49ers have struggled mightily on defense this season, allowing a league-high 30.3 points per game. The only games San Francisco won this season were against the Rams, who have the worst scoring offense in the NFL. The Seahawks aren't a high-powered offense but they are in the top half of the league in total offense. San Francisco has nothing to play for in Week 17 while they Seahawks are fighting to secure the No. 3 seed and possibly the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. The role of spoiler could…read more

San Francisco will head face off against the Rams and the NFL's lowest scoring offense on Saturday.

Analysis: Something has to give in San Francisco's matchup with week, as it's a matchup of the worst scoring offense and the worst scoring defense. The 49ers are allowing 31.0 points per game on the season and the Rams have scored just 14.7 points per contest. The silver lining for San Francisco is that the only game they played especially well in was against the Rams in Week 1, when they shut Los Angeles out in rout to their one and only win this season. A similar effort would make the 49ers one of the…read more

San Francisco will face off against the Falcons in Week 15.

Analysis: The 49ers defense will face perhaps its toughest test of the season on Sunday as they travel to Atlanta to take on the highest scoring offense in the league. Since shutting out the Rams in Week 1 the 49ers have allowed a league worst 32.8 points and have lost 12 straight games. They shouldn't be considered expect as a last resort option this week.

49ers defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (knee) is considered questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Analysis: Dorsey's knee injury remains relatively unclear. The team has not released a lot of information regarding the specifics of the injury which is cause for some concern. We'll likely know Dorsey's game status as Sunday comes along, but with a lackluster Jets' offense coming to town, the 49ers' defense might be worth the play even without Dorsey's availability.

San Francisco corner Jimmie Ward (concussion) is questionable to play Sunday against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Ward remains under the league's concussion protocol and simply may not have enough time to get healthy. No matter, his absence may not have that much of an impact on the Dolphins' gameplan; the 49ers' are easily the last-ranked unit in rushing yards per game in 2016. Miami is all but assured to pound the ball with RB Jay Ajayi this Sunday.

The 49ers have allowed a league-worst 429.7 yards per game in advance of Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: The 49ers have been abysmal defensively this season and Tom Brady and Co. should have no problem reaffirming that notion. It helps that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (chest) and WR Chris Hogan (back) won't be playing, but the 49ers will also be without starting OLB Aaron Lynch for the third straight game. In any case, the San Francisco D/ST is not a viable fantasy option in Week 11.

49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Analysis: Lynch will be missing his second straight game, a rough sign for a San Francisco defense that has been atrocious even when fully healthy. They face a middle of the road Cardinals offense in Week 10, but the 49ers have allowed 33 points or more in six of their past seven games and been one of the worst defenses in the league. Consider the 49ers a last resort option this week.

49ers linebacker Gerald Hodges had seven tackles and one interception in last week's 34-17 loss to Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Hodges' interception was one of few bright spots for the San Francisco defense that allowed 513 yards in Week 8, including 249 yards rushing. Since shutting out the Rams in Week 1, the 49ers have struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 36.5 points per game over the past six weeks. Heading to New Orleans to take on the NFL's second ranked offense in Week 9, San Francisco might well be the very last option to consider at defense.

49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (groin) is considered questionable for Sunday's game.

Analysis: San Francisco can ill-afford to lose Brooks for Sunday. The Bills have begun to establish a running game and have shown signs of offensive life over their past two games. San Francisco's defense has been a bit shaky and certainly endured its highs and lows, but there's a chance that if Brooks suits up the team could regain its defensive swagger. For the most part, the 49ers only make sense in deeper leagues.

49ers linebacker NaVarro Bowman (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.

Analysis: The loss of Bowman is about as crushing a nightmare as the niners could have feared. Bowman has been the leader of this defense and the team's most reliable player since entering the league six years ago. Bowman's injury clears the way for Michael Wilhoite to see an increased level of playing time, but the defense is likely to take a step back with its best player on the sidelines.

The 49ers' defense will travel to Seattle for a Week 3 matchup with Pete Carroll's bunch.

Analysis: While the Seahawks are favored to win this game, there is a good chance that neither team scores many points. Seattle has looked horrid offensively to begin 2016, averaging just 7.5 points per contest. Meanwhile, the 49ers' defense has already pitched a shutout this year. Last week's 46-point showing was not entirely the San Francisco defense's fault. The niners' offense allowed a score and struggled to maintain solid field position throughout the game. Anyway, this week figures to showcase a…read more

Analysis: Armstead missed the entire preseason with a shoulder injury but was able to go in Monday's Week 1 win against the Rams, playing 36 snaps in total. His participation in Friday's practice suggests that Armstead's limitation in practice both Wednesday and Thursday was only precautionary, as he's a valued asset along San Francisco's defensive front.

49ers linebacker Michael Wilhoite (ankle) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Lions.

Analysis: Wilhoite will miss a third straight game due to his ankle injury, so at least the 49ers should be somewhat used to filling his absence by now. With that in mind, expect Gerald Hodges to continue to see an expanded snap count.

49ers linebacker Michael Wilhoite (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

Analysis: With Wilhoite out for a second straight game, Gerald Hodges figures to get another start alongside NaVorro Bowman at inside linebacker. Hodges had seven tackles (four solo) on 71 defensive snaps in a Week 14 loss to the Browns.

49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Cleveland, Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Analysis: Still in the NFL's concussion protocol, Lynch appears highly uncertain for Sunday. An absence would be good news for Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, as Lynch is easily the 49ers' best pass-rusher.

In advance of Sunday's game against the Bears, 49ers linebacker Michael Wilhoite (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice.

Analysis: Wilhoite is a veteran member of the 49ers defense, so they'll certainly hope he's available for Sunday's game, despite his current ankle issue. In 11 games played this season, Wilhoite boasts 85 tackles and one interception.

49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (shoulder) is listed as active Sunday versus the Cardinals.

Analysis: Sitting in a tie for second in the NFL with 97 tackles this season, Bowman must be used on a weekly basis. However, the Cardinals' diverse offense may not afford the inside linebacker a typical amount of opportunities.

49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (shoulder) is considered probable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Bowman's status was never really in question, with his Wednesday absence from practice largely maintenance-related. His team may not be playing for anything besides pride, but Bowman has still re-established himself as an elite player, and he has a real shot to lead the NFL in tackles.