While it appears the 49ers will get Richard Sherman back on the field when they face the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, they likely will continue to be without edge rusher Dee Ford.
Ford is not expected to return during the regular season due to hamstring and quadriceps injuries, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.
The good news is that the 49ers believe Ford will be available in the playoffs, even if the 49ers do not earn a first-round bye.
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NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Ford is dealing with a "four-week injury." Ford is yet to practice on the field with the 49ers since he aggravated his hamstring injury on Dec. 8 in San Francisco's 48-46 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Ford only played four defensive snaps against the Saints and was ruled out before last Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It appears he might be sidelined for the 49ers remaining two games against the Rams and Seattle Seahawks, too.
The 49ers acquired the 2018 Pro Bowler from Chiefs in the offseason, and immediately handed him a new five-year, $87.5 million contract. He has been hampered by injuries this season, missing three games so far.
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Ford has 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The 49ers know they need him for a long playoff run, but his return for their showdown against the Seahawks would be huge.
The season finale likely will determine the NFC winner and top seed for the NFC in the postseason.