The San Francisco 49ers head east this weekend to open the postseason against the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s Wild Card round. Injuries have reshaped the 49ers defense throughout the season, particularly at linebacker. With Tatum Bethune sidelined for the postseason and Dee Winters‘ status uncertain, the unit is relying on experience and adaptability as it prepares for one of the NFL’s most physical offenses.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in veteran Eric Kendricks stepping into an expanded role.
“I’m real confident in Eric,” Shanahan said earlier this week. “He’s been here long enough. These games he’s gotten in the last couple weeks he’s done a good job, and I’m glad that we’ve got him for this situation.”
If Winters is unable to play, Garret Wallow and Curtis Robinson remain options at weakside linebacker. The team also signed linebacker Kyzir White to the practice squad this week to add depth.
For Kendricks, who joined the team midseason, preparation has followed a familiar script.
“Now this week, just preparing how I always prepare all 10 years of my career, 11 years now,” Kendricks said. “It’s up to you to rise to the occasion. I trust my preparation, I always have. I trust my teammates around me first and foremost. They’ve helped me so much to get to where I’m at now. It’s just about going out there knowing what I’m doing and just letting loose and playing with my instincts.”
Communication will be critical against an Eagles offense that averaged 22.3 points per game during the 2025 season. Philadelphia features a physical run game with Saquon Barkley, a mobile quarterback in Jalen Hurts, and an offensive line that consistently creates leverage.
“They’re a pretty tight-knit group up front,” Kendricks said. “They have the RPO game as well… Down and distance is super crucial in that component. Making it favorable on our end down and distance wise. Eating your vegetables first and second down is going to be super important. Just playing a complete game, you have to play all four quarters.”
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh echoed that sentiment, pointing to fundamentals as the starting point after reviewing film from Week 18.
“(Hurts) is good. He makes people miss,” Saleh said. “So, you’ve got to be great with your leverages. You’ve got to be great inside out, chasing the inside hip, making sure that you hold your leverage, trust your teammate on the other side. That goes for everybody. That goes for Saquon, the receiving corps and the tight end. All of them. We’ve got to improve our leverages. It’s what kind of caught up to us against Seattle, not taking the proper angle. That’s usually the starting point for all tackling.
“Your number is called, you’ve got to answer the bell. It’s as simple as just taking the proper angles and taking the extra step… We’ve got to be our best when our best is required.”
Saleh emphasized that slowing Hurts requires discipline rather than hesitation. While the Eagles may not feature quarterback runs as heavily as in past seasons, the threat remains.
“He’s a big, physical quarterback,” Saleh said. “He’s very aware from a pressure standpoint, being able to escape… They don’t do it often, but when they do, it’s effective. You can’t faze him.”
Stopping Hurts, Barkley, and the Eagles short-yardage package, including their signature quarterback sneak, demands precision across all 11 defenders.
“The best way to stop it is don’t give them third-and-one,” Saleh said. “But they’ll probably get there eventually.”
For White, who brings familiarity with both the Eagles and San Francisco’s defensive system, the focus has been on getting up to speed quickly and helping however needed.
“I’m just going to go out there and practice, try to pick up on everything,” White said. “Hopefully I can help the team in whatever capacity I can.”
White last played in Philadelphia in 2022, among his stops to the Los Angeles Chargers (2018-2021), Arizona Cardinals (2023-2024), and Tennessee Titans (2025). Inside the linebackers’ room, White has leaned on veteran leadership and the coaching staff.
“I’ve been picking the brain of (defensive quality control coach) K.J. Wright,” White said. “And obviously Kendricks is in the room. He’s a vet. I’m definitely going to get next to him and see what I can pick up.”
As the 49ers prepare for a win-or-go-home matchup on the road, the message from the defense has stayed consistent.
“It’s do or die,” Kendricks said. “You have to know what’s at stake, but obviously not think too much of it. It’s the same football game… Trust your ability, trust your preparation throughout this whole year that got you to this point. Know what it takes to win and just go out there and just play with confidence. Let it loose.”