While many have given up on the San Francisco 49ers and the team's playoff chances, Rich Eisen hasn't. The host of The Rich Eisen Show feels Kyle Shanahan's squad still has a good shot at making a run during these final six games of the regular season and perhaps surprising some people.
Eisen's hot take during his "4 Downs with Rich" segment saw the 49ers, not the 4-6 Minnesota Vikings or Detroit Lions, as a team that can sneak into postseason play as the seventh seed and make things uncomfortable for an opponent.
"I am not done with them yet," said Eisen. "The 49ers are coming off their bye this week, Thanksgiving week. They're coming back, and they're taking on the Rams, who have a short week.
"I don't know. The 49ers can come in there, and if they can come away with this W, and sweep the Rams, and then they go against Buffalo on Monday Night Football, then suddenly, maybe they're going to get their guys back.
"What if Sherman comes back, and Deebo comes back, and then Jimmy comes back, and Kittle comes back? I'd look out for this team, man. I'm not ready to sleep on the defending NFC West and NFC champion 49ers just yet."
The 49ers could get some of those players back as early as this week. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel announced today that he is ready to get back to work after missing time with a hamstring strain. Shanahan is hopeful to get cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) back too.
The 49ers opened the practice windows for running backs Raheem Mostert (ankle) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (ankle) today. Assuming the team is playing for anything in the final weeks of the season, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and tight end George Kittle (foot) haven't been ruled out from playing again this season, as Eisen noted.
You can watch the entire segment with Eisen below.