With all of their time off, can we really expect every player to be at maximum efficiency?
After a week off, the 49ers take on the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium. For the Niners, the bye week could not have arrived at a better moment. Not only will the team not have to travel, but important players will be back for the divisional round and beyond.
Let’s order the key players who will be back for the game on Saturday.
Christian McCaffrey
In the 49ers’ season finale, McCaffrey most likely could have played if there had been any stake for the team. In any case, it’s a huge plus that the offensive player of the year is back and as rested as possible. McCaffrey and the 49ers have the ideal recipe for success when they take on a Green Bay defense that can be exploited on the ground.
Arik Armstead
The sight of Armstead returning is pleasing. Chase Young, Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave, and Nick Bosa will start on the defensive line. After the additional rest, this line will be prepared, and Armstead’s arrival is just in time for the final stretch. The return of Armstead helps the run defense.
Ji’Ayir Brown
This defense benefits from having the rookie back and starting. Although Brown has shown promise during his rookie season, this defense is stronger when he is starting. The 49ers could face formidable receivers from Tampa Bay and Detroit next. Brown will be required to reduce the speed of those groups.
Tashaun Gipson Sr.
Gipson’s safety record is as good as it gets. The defense gains stability with his return. The 49ers want to play disciplined and limit big plays. Gipson is exactly what a team starting a Super Bowl run needs.
Ambry Thomas
The 49ers and Steve Wilks made the biggest change to the lineup following the bye week: moving Deommodore Lenoir to the slot and adding Ambry Thomas to the outside line up. With a fantastic play, Thomas has rewarded the 49ers and Wilks’ faith. Thomas will be an essential component of the 49ers’ strategy going forward.
Jauan Jennings
Whatever you want to say, Jennings’s presence on third down and in the running game is greatly missed by the 49ers. While Ronnie Bell is sure to be a great player, Brock Purdy is failing to bring down his third down target who is unwilling to give up on first contact. An offense with stars at every position will benefit greatly from Jennings’s return.