As expected, San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is officially available for today’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s a good sign for Williams, who did not promote an offensive lineman from the practice squad on Saturday.
Here is the inactive list:
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WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
LB Dee Winters (ankle)
LB Luke Gifford (Quad)
RB Isaac Gallendo
NCB Chase Lucas
DT Kevin Givens
WR Jordan Watkins
The team promoted wide receiver Malik Turner. Alarm bells are ringing under the impression that another wide receiver on the roster means Ricky Pearsall will no longer be active. Pearsall did not practice all week and did not play during warmups.
Linebackers Luke Gifford (quadriceps) and Dee Winters (ankle) have not practiced all week. Before the game, various sprints and training sessions are carried out. According to on-site media reports, neither man appears to be competing. Gifford has been a big part of the 49ers’ special teams success. Look for Turner to fill out the coverage units of Gifford and Tatum Bethune.
Eric Kendricks and Garrett Vallow are expected to start. Depending on how the game goes or how he performs in practice, Kezier White could get a chance. Either way, both will be on special teams.
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Cornerback Reynardo Green and pass rusher Keion White were both active. The 49ers defense is better with both men on the field. Green is tailor-made for defending isolated routes out of numbers, while White’s skill set could work well against the Eagles’ offensive line.
Speaking of which, the biggest news today is that Eagles left tackle Lane Johnson was a no-show during warmups, while his backup, Cameron Johnson, was wearing game pants. Fred Johnson (the Eagles’ version of Austin Pleasant) is warming up next to starting right guard Tyler Steen. All these signs point to Johnson being inactive.
The Eagles have an EPA per game of +0.07, Johnson is at -0.04, and their All-Pro right tackle is at -0.04. Passing (+.13) and rushing EPA splits (+.07) also highlight Johnson’s value to the Eagles. Philadelphia’s DVOA dropped from 6.8% to -6.5% when Johnson was off the court. Their rushing DVOA dropped six percentage points.
He’s the Eagles’ best player, just like Trent Williams is the 49ers’ best player. What you can do as an offense depends on the availability of your star tackle. Many expect the Eagles to turn on the playoff switch and bounce back from last postseason, but that will be difficult to do without Johnson.
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Fred Johnson will start at right tackle. According to Sports Info Solutions, Lane Johnson’s block percentage is as high as 1.9. Fred Johnson’s score was 4.3. Any missed blocks in the run game could put the Eagles into a longer downfield situation.
