Bears vs. 49ers: Key NFL Inactives Shake Up Sunday Night Football Showdown

A wave of illness impacted both teams ahead of a critical late-season game. The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers finalized their inactive lists on December 28, 2025. The game is set for Sunday Night Football in Santa Clara, California.Several key players were game-time decisions due to a non-Covid illness. According to the official Chicago Bears announcement, most questionable players were cleared to play.

Bears Navigate Illness Scare, Key Tackle Makes Surprise Trip

The Bears faced a significant health scare leading up to kickoff. Starting right tackle Darnell Wright did not travel with the team due to illness. He made a surprise separate trip to California and was declared active.Wide receiver DJ Moore was a late addition to the injury report. He was also listed as questionable with an illness. Moore was activated, maintaining his streak of not missing a game since 2020.The team’s inactives included receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and defensive back Nick McCloud, both due to illness. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze was inactive with an ankle injury. According to the team’s official social media post, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite and quarterback Case Keenum were also inactive.

49ers Absence of Star Tight End Alters Game Plan

The San Francisco 49ers also lost a major weapon. Star tight end George Kittle was ruled out with an ankle injury. His absence removes a primary target for quarterback Brock Purdy.The 49ers’ other inactives included receiver Jordan Watkins and running back Isaac Guerendo. Defensive linemen Robert Beal Jr. and Kevin Givens were also inactive. This information was confirmed by the trusted source Sleeper49ers.Kittle’s injury forces the 49ers to adjust their offensive scheme. It likely increases targets for receivers like Brandon Aiyuk. The Bears’ defense may now focus more on stopping the run and covering deep passes.

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The final list of NFL inactives significantly alters the dynamics for this prime-time matchup. Key absences on both sides will test each team’s depth immediately.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why did Bears tackle Darnell Wright travel separately?

He did not travel with the team due to a non-Covid illness. The Bears arranged for him to fly to California on his own to isolate him from other players. He was cleared to play just before game time.

Q2: Which star player is out for the 49ers?

Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle is inactive. He is sidelined with an ankle injury. His absence is a major blow to the 49ers’ passing attack.

Q3: Is DJ Moore playing for the Bears?

Yes, DJ Moore is active for the game. He was a late addition to the injury report with an illness. He has not missed a game in over five seasons.

Q4: How many Bears players are out due to illness?

At least three Bears are inactive specifically due to illness. They are Olamide Zaccheaus, Nick McCloud, and Dallis Flowers. Several others played despite being questionable.

Q5: Where is this NFL game being played?

The game is at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is the scheduled Sunday Night Football matchup for December 28, 2025. The 49ers are the home team.

Trusted Sources: Official Chicago Bears social media announcement, Sleeper49ers report.