Lead: On Wednesday (Jan. 14, 2026), the Seattle Seahawks updated their divisional-round injury report ahead of Saturday’s playoff meeting with the San Francisco 49ers. Two new entries appeared for Seattle: linebacker Ernest Jones IV did not participate because of an illness, and tackle Charles Cross was added with a knee designation in addition to the hamstring that sidelined him for the final three regular-season games. Most other Seahawks either improved or maintained their status from Tuesday to Wednesday. San Francisco’s notable change: starting left tackle Trent Williams went from limited Tuesday to a full participant Wednesday.
Key Takeaways
- Seahawks added two new report entries Wednesday: LB Ernest Jones IV (illness) and T Charles Cross (knee, also listed with hamstring).
- Charles Cross was limited Wednesday after being a full participant Tuesday; he missed Seattle’s final three regular-season games with a hamstring issue.
- Outside LB DeMarcus Lawrence went from limited (Achilles) on Tuesday to full participation Wednesday; Coach Mike Macdonald said he expects Lawrence to be fine for Saturday.
- LB Chazz Surratt (ankle) moved from limited Tuesday to full Wednesday; LB Tyrice Knight (shoulder) progressed from non-participation to limited.
- CB Riq Woolen was limited for a second straight day with an oblique issue; OT Josh Jones (knee) did not practice Wednesday.
- For the 49ers, LT Trent Williams returned to full participation; WR Ricky Pearsall remained limited after missing two games with a knee injury.
- 49ers non-participants again included S Ji’Ayir Brown (hamstring) and LB Luke Gifford (quadricep).
Background
The Seahawks and 49ers meet Saturday in the NFC Divisional Round, their third matchup of the season after Seattle and San Francisco split regular-season meetings. Seattle has navigated a flurry of late-season injuries — notably Charles Cross missing the final three regular-season games — and moved several players through return-to-practice designations during the week. San Francisco, coming off a wild-card win over Philadelphia, used a Tuesday walkthrough so its report reflected estimated participation rather than a full practice session. Offensive-line health is a recurring theme for both clubs: Cross’s availability matters for Seattle’s protection plans, while Trent Williams’ return is pivotal for San Francisco’s pass rush containment.
Designations to return from injured reserve are also in play for Seattle: TE Elijah Arroyo and LB Chazz Surratt were listed after being designated to return, providing depth in tight end rotation and linebacker packages. The Seahawks’ handling of midweek practice reps underlines a conservative approach — balancing contact minimization with necessary reps to prepare for a high-stakes matchup. For the 49ers, limited reps for key contributors like Ricky Pearsall indicate a cautious ramp-up following missed games, while non-participation by starters such as Ji’Ayir Brown points to lingering soft-tissue issues late in the week.
Main Event
Wednesday’s report for Seattle showed only two additions compared with Tuesday: Ernest Jones IV (illness), who did not practice, and Charles Cross, who was newly listed with a knee injury while remaining listed for the hamstring that kept him out late in the regular season. Cross had been a full participant on Tuesday before being downgraded to limited on Wednesday, suggesting an in-practice tweak or additional precautionary management rather than a clearly defined setback.
Coach Mike Macdonald commented on DeMarcus Lawrence’s status after Lawrence went from limited to full: “It’s just something we’re managing,” indicating staff confidence that Lawrence’s Achilles issue is under control for Saturday. Other Seahawks movement included Chazz Surratt (ankle) moving to full practice and Tyrice Knight (shoulder) progressing to limited. Cornerback Riq Woolen remained limited for a second straight day with an oblique complaint.
San Francisco’s update was marked by Trent Williams returning to full participation Wednesday after being limited on Tuesday; Williams had missed Week 18 against Seattle with a hamstring problem but played in the wild-card win over Philadelphia. Ricky Pearsall was limited again as he continues to work back from a knee injury that cost him the last two regular-season games. Ji’Ayir Brown (hamstring) and Luke Gifford (quadricep) were listed as non-participants on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Analysis & Implications
Charles Cross’s mixed week (full Tuesday, limited Wednesday with a new knee listing) raises immediate questions about Seattle’s left tackle continuity. Cross initially missed three games due to a hamstring strain; if he is limited on gameday, veteran Josh Jones — who has carried starting reps through Week 18 while managing knee and ankle issues — could be required to start. That scenario would affect Seattle’s pass protection schemes and run-blocking angles, particularly against a 49ers defensive front that pressures from multiple fronts.
DeMarcus Lawrence returning to full practice is a net positive for Seattle’s edge rush depth. If Lawrence is active and effective, Seattle’s defense can maintain rotation and manage snap counts without overloading younger pieces. Likewise, Chazz Surratt’s full participation restores linebacker depth that could be important in sub-packages and special teams. Conversely, limited status for Riq Woolen may alter nickel-matchups against San Francisco’s receiver group and could increase snap share for secondary teammates such as Nehemiah Pritchett or Shemar Jean-Charles.
For San Francisco, Trent Williams being full stabilizes the 49ers’ left side and reduces pressure concerns that surfaced in Week 18. Ricky Pearsall remaining limited leaves uncertainty in wide receiver depth; if Pearsall cannot expand reps, the 49ers may lean more on other targets or adjust route concepts to compensate. Non-participation by Ji’Ayir Brown and Luke Gifford preserves those players for weekend re-evaluation but adds short-term depth questions for the 49ers’ secondary and linebacking corps.
Comparison & Data
| Player | Tuesday | Wednesday | Primary Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Cross | Full | Limited | Hamstring, knee |
| DeMarcus Lawrence | Limited | Full | Achilles |
| Chazz Surratt | Limited | Full | Ankle |
| Ernest Jones IV | Full (prior) | Did Not Participate | Illness |
| Trent Williams (SF) | Limited | Full | Hamstring |
| Ricky Pearsall (SF) | Limited | Limited | Knee |
The table highlights key midweek swings: Seattle’s Cross is the prime uncertainty after a downgrade, while DeMarcus Lawrence’s upgrade reduces one injury concern. For San Francisco, Williams’ upgrade is the most meaningful change, improving pass-protection outlook. Coaches often use Wednesday reps to fine-tune plans and to test whether limited players can increase workload before the final practice or gameday roster decisions.
Reactions & Quotes
“It’s just something we’re managing.”
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald
“Trent Williams was a full participant on Wednesday.”
49ers practice report (team release)
Unconfirmed
- The precise severity and expected gameday availability of Charles Cross’s knee designation remain unspecified by the team as of Wednesday.
- Ernest Jones IV’s illness has not been detailed publicly; whether it affects weekend availability is unconfirmed.
- Ricky Pearsall’s status beyond limited practice (i.e., whether he will be active Saturday) is not finalized in public reports.
Bottom Line
Midweek practice reports indicate the Seahawks largely stabilized their roster picture but remain cautious with key linemen and secondary pieces. Charles Cross’s downgrade to limited and the new knee listing is the principal Seattle uncertainty; staff comments and practice videos will be key to gauging his true availability on Saturday.
San Francisco’s encouraging development is Trent Williams returning to full participation, which reduces pressure concerns for their offense. Heading into kickoff at 5 p.m. Saturday on FOX, both teams will monitor final practice and gameday active/inactive lists — expect a few last-minute decisions centered on soft-tissue issues and day-to-day recovery.