The San Francisco 49ers get a much needed day of rest and recuperation on Sunday following their 36-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints. The game was incredibly physical and left the 49ers moderately banged up as they get ready for a week of practice before the NFC Championship Game.
The most notable game injury saw wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. leave after landing on his kneecap in the second quarter. Ginn returned at one point, but left again later in the game. He has been banged up for much of the last three weeks and will likely get a lot of rest this week. After Ginn left, Kyle Williams took over on punt returns and Brett Swain moved in as the number three receiver. Ginn is questionable for next week and will be evaluated as the week moves on.
Defensive end Ray McDonald played through a hamstring strain and was unable to play every defensive snap as is often the case for him. Ricky Jean Francois got in a decent number of snaps in place of McDonald, although McDonald did play the final twelve defensive snaps of the game.
Tight end Delanie Walker was inactive with his broken jaw and will be re-evaluated on Monday. He is questionable for Sunday but is hoping to play. Justin Peelle was the number two tight end in his place on Saturday. He did an effective job, but naturally the 49ers want to get back to full health on offense. Walker is a key part of their offense given his ability to fill a variety of roles including tight end, H-back, fullback and wide receiver.