NFL Player News

Pearsall (knee) is listed as active Saturday in Seattle, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.

Pearsall thus will be making only his second appearance since Week 15 due to the PCL injury that has forced nine absences this season, including last Sunday's wild-card win at Philadelphia. The 49ers lost TE George Kittle to a torn Achilles in that contest, so a few more targets will be available to the rest of the team's pass catchers Saturday. In five outings in the second half of the campaign, Pearsall hauled in 16 of 24 targets for 201 yards and no touchdowns.

Darnold (oblique) is listed as active Saturday against the 49ers.

Darnold injured his oblique at Thursday's practice, which caused the Seahawks to list him as questionable ahead of their divisional-round matchup. He proceeded to tell John Boyle of the team's official site that he felt like he'll "be ready to go for Saturday," and coach Mike Macdonald then relayed to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic on Friday that he wouldn't "put him out there if he couldn't do his job." Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Saturday morning that Darnold hasn't thrown since Thursday, but Seattle still was of the belief that he'd be able to start, which now at least seems likely. Drew Lock and emergency third QB Jalen Milroe are on hand in the event Darnold can't direct the offense at any point.

Franklin (hamstring) won't return to Saturday's divisional-round game against the Bills, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

The Broncos now have lost two wide receivers to injury in their playoff opener, the other being Pat Bryant (concussion). Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey are the available options at the position for Denver for the rest of Saturday's contest.

Lewis (undisclosed has returned to Buffalo's divisional-round matchup versus the Broncos on Saturday, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Lewis is back in action after briefly exiting the game at the end of the first half due to cramping. Darnell Savage filled in at safety while Lewis was sidelined.

Lewis (cramps) is questionable to return Buffalo's divisional-round matchup versus the Broncos on Saturday.

Lewis is currently dealing with cramping, which caused him to exit the game late in the first half. Darnell Savage will replace Lewis at safety if he ends up being unable to return.

The 49ers expect Gifford (quadriceps) to play in Saturday's divisional-round matchup versus the Seahawks, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Gifford is seemingly healthy again after missing last week's wild-card win over the Eagles with a quadriceps injury. The 30-year-old should resume his role as a special teamer and depth defender against Seattle.

McGovern (head) has returned to Buffalo's divisional-round matchup versus the Broncos on Saturday.

McGovern is back in the game after briefly exiting in the first half to be evaluated for a head injury. Alec Anderson filled in at center while McGovern was on the sideline.

Franklin (hamstring) is questionable to return to Saturday's AFC divisional-round game against the Bills, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Franklin appeared to tweak his hamstring in the second quarter and is being evaluated by medical staff in the locker room to determine whether he can return. The Broncos are already without Pat Bryant (concussion) for the rest of Saturday's game, so Denver would be down to Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey at wide receiver if Franklin is unable to return.

The Patriots activated Austin (wrist) off injured reserve Saturday.

Austin has been sidelined since the team's Week 12 win over the Bengals but will seemingly make his return during Sunday's divisional-round matchup versus the Texans. The 24-year-old should resume his role as a special teamer and depth defender against Houston.

McGovern (head) is questionable to return to Buffalo's divisional-round matchup versus the Broncos on Saturday.

McGovern is being evaluated in the locker room for a head injury after exiting the game in the first half. Alec Anderson should take over as the team's center if McGovern ends up being unable to return.