The San Francisco 49ers have a bye week to rest up before their Divisional Round playoff game, and it looks like they will be a very healthy team by the time that game comes around.

Kyle Shanahan spoke to the media on a conference call on Tuesday, and the 49ers head coach had a raft of injury updates, most of them very positive.

There was, however, one piece of disappointing news for the Niners, with a starter set to miss out on the Divisional Round.

Ferrell's misfortune

Clelin Ferrell has proven a valuable part of the defensive line rotation for the 49ers since signing with them in free agency this past offseason, but Shanahan confirmed the defensive end would miss "at least one" playoff game with a knee injury sustained in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.

The former Las Vegas Raider initially said after the game that he exited the contest strictly as a precaution, but the problem is clearly serious enough that the Niners won't be able to lean on him until the NFC Championship Game at the earliest.

With Drake Jackson (knee) not healthy enough to come off injured reserve, Ferrell's absence means that rookie Robert Beal Jr. will move up the rotation, with Chase Young and Randy Gregory likely to split time playing at the defensive end spot opposite Nick Bosa.

While their edge depth has been hurt, the 49ers' situation on the interior of the defensive line now looks a lot brighter.

Armstead's much anticipated return

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead has missed the last five games with foot and knee injuries, not playing since the Week 18 rout of the Philadelphia Eagles.

But the 2015 first-round pick, who had been enjoying his best season since 2019 prior to his absence, is set to return to practice this week, Shanahan confirmed. The 49ers will hold two practices this week, one with pads.

Armstead is, therefore, set to reprise what had been a flourishing defensive tackle partnership with Javon Hargrave, one that would have been reunited last week had the Niners needed the game against the Rams to clinch the one seed.

"He looked good today," said Shanahan. "That was the test and we're going to get him into practice Thursday and hopefully it goes well and we'll get him in a little bit Friday… He would've gone last week if we needed that (game)."

Crucial as a pass rusher and even more so as a run defender, Armstead's prospective return makes their defense that much more formidable for whichever opponent ends up traveling to Levi's Stadium.

And he is not the only one on track to feature in the Divisional Round.

Returning players

Do-it-all running back and Offensive Player of the Year frontrunner Christian McCaffrey is not expected to practice this week as the 49ers play it safe with his calf injury.

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has missed the last three games with a concussion, but Shanahan confirmed he is now out of protocol, while tight end George Kittle is said to be doing much better after sitting out Week 18 with back spasms. Guard Jon Feliciano has also dealt with back issues but the Niners are hopeful he will return to practice this week.

On defense, Shanahan said they will be smart with linebacker Dre Greenlaw's ankle tendinitis this week, but the defensive backfield looks much healthier. Starting safeties Ji'Ayir Brown (knee) and Tashuan Gipson (quad) are both set to return along with cornerback Ambry Thomas following knee and hand issues, the latter of which required surgery.

Practice squad safety Tayler Hawkins needs surgery on a wrist injury sustained against the Rams, but veteran safety and special teams standout George Odum will have his 21-day practice window opened after suffering a torn bicep on Thanksgiving in the win over the Seattle Seahawks.

NFL Power Rankings: The 49ers the clear class of the NFC

They have a target on their backs.