It has never been more clear how valuable the No. 1 seed would be for the 49ers.
San Francisco is an overwhelming, double-digit favorite on the road against the 4-11 Washington Commanders on Sunday, but they will be without at least five players.
The 49ers listed their injury report with five players out and five questionable:
Out
- DT Arik Armstead (foot, knee)
- S Ji’Ayir Brown (knee)
- TE Ross Dwelley (ankle)
- WR Jauan Jennings (concussion)
- T Jaylon Moore (concussion)
Questionable
- G Aaron Banks (toe)
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness)
- WR Danny Gray (shoulder)
- RB Jordan Mason (illness)
- CB Ambry Thomas (knee, hand)
Armstead's foot issue is one that remains of substantial concern for the 49ers and could potentially stretch into the postseason. He has missed the last three games and missed eight of 17 regular season games with the same injury.
Ji'Ayir Brown's absence, meanwhile, likely elevates veteran safety Logan Ryan to starter status, with nickel corner Isaiah Oliver likely behind him.
Aaron Banks' toe injury, according to offensive line coach Chris Foerster, is not as severe as the initial turf toe injury which cost him two games this season. However, Banks did not participate in a single practice this week.
Jauan Jennings has now missed two-straight weeks with a concussion. His absence was evident via lackluster performances from veteran Willie Snead IV.
Second-year speedster receiver Danny Gray could have an opportunity to return from injured reserve Sunday after his 21-day injured reserve practice window was opened this week.
As for the Commanders, there are also five players ruled out, and a couple more questionable:
Out
- S Percy Butler (wrist)
- CB Kendall Fuller (knee)
- C Tyler Larsen (knee)
- T Charles Leno (calf)
- CB Benjamin St-Juste (concussion)
Questionable
- QB Jacoby Brissett (hamstring)
- T Andrew Wylie (elbow)
While it's a game the 49ers should win easily, it's also one they need to have. If San Francisco beats Washington and the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, they'll secure the No. 1 overall seed.
If they lose either, the Philadelphia Eagles - who play the 3-12 Cardinals and 5-10 Giants to end the season - could easily jump them.