If you’re staring at the San Francisco 49ers depth chart right now, you’re looking at a jigsaw puzzle that’s missing some of its biggest, most expensive pieces. It’s January 2026. The playoffs are here. And honestly, the roster Kyle Shanahan is taking into the Divisional Round in Seattle looks almost nothing like the powerhouse we expected back in August.
Football is brutal. We know this. But seeing names like George Kittle and Nick Bosa on the Injured Reserve list next to Fred Warner—who is desperately trying to return from an ankle injury—is a tough pill for the Faithful to swallow.
Still, the Niners finished 12-5. They just handled the Eagles in the Wild Card. Brock Purdy is still there, looking like the $50 million-a-year man he’s about to become, and Christian McCaffrey is coming off a First-Team All-Pro season where he basically carried the offense on his back.
But who is actually lining up on Sunday? Let's get into the weeds.
The Offense: Purdy, CMC, and the "Next Man Up" Reality
The San Francisco 49ers depth chart on offense is basically the Brock and Christian show, but the supporting cast has shifted significantly.
Quarterback: No Controversy Here
Brock Purdy is the undisputed leader. He’s been efficient, finishing the regular season with 33 touchdowns and over 4,100 yards. Behind him, it’s a weird sight: Mac Jones. Yeah, that Mac Jones. He signed a two-year deal in early 2025 to be the primary backup, and while he hasn't had to play much, he’s the "break glass in case of emergency" option.
The Backfield: All-Pro Power
Christian McCaffrey is still the focal point. He put up over 2,100 yards from scrimmage this year. It's ridiculous.
- RB1: Christian McCaffrey
- RB2: Brian Robinson Jr. (A savvy trade addition from Washington who provides that "thunder" to CMC's "lightning")
- RB3: Isaac Guerendo
- FB: Kyle Juszczyk (The nine-time Pro Bowler just keeps going)
Wide Receivers: Life After Aiyuk
With Brandon Aiyuk having left the team, the target share is distributed differently. Jauan Jennings has stepped up as a primary chain-mover, but the real story is Ricky Pearsall. The second-year man has become a favorite for Purdy, especially in the red zone.
- Ricky Pearsall (Starter - Z)
- Jauan Jennings (Starter - X)
- Demarcus Robinson (Slot/F)
- Kendrick Bourne (The veteran returnee)
- Skyy Moore (Trade acquisition from KC)
The Tight End Crisis
This is the big one. George Kittle is out. Achilles injuries don't care about playoff runs.
With Kittle on IR, the Niners are leaning on Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell. They also just promoted Brayden Willis from the practice squad. Is it the same? No. Farrell is a solid blocker, but you don't just replace Kittle's production or his vibe.
Offensive Line: The Trent Williams Factor
As long as #71 is on the field, the left side is a fortress. Trent Williams earned Second-Team All-Pro honors this year despite missing a game.
- LT: Trent Williams
- LG: Spencer Burford
- C: Jake Brendel
- RG: Dominick Puni (The second-year guard has been a revelation)
- RT: Colton McKivitz
Defense: A Unit Under Siege
If you look at the San Francisco 49ers depth chart for the defense, it’s a miracle they ranked 13th in points allowed. They’ve been decimated by injuries to their "blue chip" stars.
The Defensive Front: Where’s the Rush?
Nick Bosa is on IR. Mykel Williams is on IR. That is a massive amount of talent and money sitting on the sidelines.
Bryce Huff has been forced into a primary pass-rushing role, and while he’s quick, he’s not Bosa. Yetur Gross-Matos is starting on the other side, but he’s currently nursing a knee issue. In the middle, it’s a rotation of Alfred Collins, C.J. West, and veteran Jordan Elliott.
Linebackers: The Warner Waiting Game
Fred Warner is the heartbeat. He’s been on IR for most of the season with an ankle injury. The team opened his practice window this week, but they’ve already ruled him out for the Seattle game.
In his absence, Eric Kendricks has been the veteran stabilizer at MLB. Dee Winters and Luke Gifford (who is questionable with a quad) are holding down the outside spots. It’s a scrappy group, but they lack the "sideline-to-sideline" erase-everything speed that Warner provides.
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The Secondary: Holding it Together
This might be the healthiest part of the defense, weirdly enough.
- CB: Deommodore Lenoir (Signed a massive extension through 2029)
- CB: Renardo Green (The rookie standout)
- Nickel: Upton Stout
- Safety: Malik Mustapha and Jason Pinnock
Ji’Ayir Brown is out with a hamstring, which means Mustapha—the second-year safety—is taking on a huge communication role. He’s been a physical presence, but Seattle’s deep threats will test his range.
Special Teams: The Reliability Factor
Special teams rarely get the headlines until they mess up. For the 49ers, it’s been a year of transition. Thomas Morstead is punting at age 39, and Eddy Piñeiro has taken over kicking duties. They’ve been solid. Nothing flashy, just professional. Skyy Moore handles most of the return duties, which has helped stabilize a unit that was a bit chaotic early in the season.
How to Read This Roster Right Now
The San Francisco 49ers depth chart tells a story of a team that won 12 games on the strength of its system and its superstars, but is now trying to win a championship on the strength of its depth.
When you see Mac Jones as the backup QB or Jake Tonges as the starting TE, it’s easy to get nervous. But remember: Kyle Shanahan’s scheme is designed to make these players successful. The "Y-Leaky" plays and the wide-zone runs don't require 11 Hall of Famers; they require 11 guys who know their assignments.
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The real concern isn't the skill positions; it's the pass rush. Without Bosa and Mykel Williams, the Niners have to manufacture pressure. If they can't get to the quarterback with four, the secondary is going to be under immense stress.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Practice Window: Keep a close eye on Fred Warner's status. Even if he’s out this week, his potential return for an NFC Championship game changes the entire ceiling of this defense.
- Monitor the TE Targets: In the Seattle game, watch how often Purdy looks for Jake Tonges. If the chemistry isn't there, expect a lot more 21-personnel with Kyle Juszczyk or even extra offensive linemen.
- Check the Weather: Seattle in January is unpredictable. A heavy run game favors the Niners' depth at RB (Brian Robinson Jr. is a mudder), but a shootout favors Seattle’s healthy WR corps against a depleted SF secondary.
The 49ers are essentially playing with "house money" given the injury report, yet they are still favorites in many eyes. That speaks to the culture John Lynch has built. But as we know in the NFL, a depth chart is only as good as the guy at the bottom of it when the playoffs start.