The San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears have both wrapped up their first practices of game week, and the biggest news is that Bears free safety Eddie Jackson did not practice on Wednesday. He suffered a right ankle injury on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, and while the injury is not believed to be season-ending, his status is uncertain for Week 16.
Jackson has been one of the best coverage safeties in the NFL this season, with Pro Football Focus grading him the best overall safety and the best in coverage. Suffice to say, his absence would be a huge one for this game. The Bears have clinched the NFC North, and still have a chance at a first round bye. They are not going to rest players just to rest them, but Jackson’s ankle will be something to track this week.
On the 49ers side of things, it is mostly the usual suspects, with the addition of Antone Exum with a hip injury. Right now, Exum plays free safety, Marcell Harris plays strong safety, and D.J. Reed plays nickel back. Safety Jaquiski Tartt and cornerback K’Waun Williams are once again list as limited. We’ll know more about their respective statuses on Friday.
49ers Wednesday practice participation report
DNP: LB Mark Nzeocha (groin), T Joe Staley (not injury related)
Limited: RB Matt Breida (ankle), S Antone Exum (hip), C Weston Richburg (knee), LB Malcolm Smith (achilles), S Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder), CB K’Waun Williams (knee)
Bears Wednesday practice participation report
DNP: S Eddie Jackson (ankle), LB Aaron Lynch (elbow)