San Francisco 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers ruled out a key defender for Saturday’s contest against the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers have battled numerous injuries that will affect the team in the postseason.

The 49ers had so many injuries on their 53-man roster that head coach Kyle Shanahan had to play starters in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell suffered a knee injury during the game and had to be carted off the field.

The San Francisco 49ers rule out a DE

Ferrell did not participate in practice this week. According to the injury report released by the 49ers Thursday evening, the former first-round pick at pass rusher has been ruled out against the Packers on Sunday.

Chase Young should see more snaps against the Packers

The 49ers will miss Ferrell’s pass-rushing capabilities against suddenly hot Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Ferrell has recorded 3.5 sacks this season. With Ferrell out, the 49ers will ask Chase Young, who the 49ers traded for midseason, to carry a more significant load for the defense against the Packers.

The 49ers had one other player listed with a designation for Saturday’s game. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is questionable to play the Packers after being limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday due to an Achilles injury.

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