Nine players missed practice on Wednesday. Here are the players who were out and what they’re dealing with: Arik Armstead (foot, knee), Spencer Burford (knee), Oren Burks (knee), Ross Dwelley (ankle), Dre Greenlaw (hip, ankle), Javon Hargrave (hamstring), Ambry Thomas (not injury related – personal matter), CB Charvarius Ward (groin), Trent Williams (not injury related – resting player).

Thomas and Williams are a special case here, so really it is seven players that are out due to an injury. Still, seven players missing practice is alarming, especially since they’re mostly impactful ones. The bright side is that none of these injured players are dealing with anything significant, so the amount of time they will miss shouldn’t be a lot. Considering the 49ers are facing the Cardinals this week, they could definitely afford missing a few key players.

But the 49ers injury report acts as a reminder and proves how critical clinching the No. 1 seed is for the NFC playoffs. Having that first-round Bye week is everything. It allows all the players who are dealing with injuries to heal and be better fit for the next game. Having home field advantage is, of course, an excellent perk to have, but really it is having that first-round of the playoffs off that is pivotal. If the 49ers had to choose between going on the road or having that first week off, I’d suspect they’d take that week off.

It just goes such a long way for them.  That way Armstead, Hargrave, Ward, and others can play to their standard. The 49ers will desperately need them fully or nearly fit to execute their Super Bowl run. The benefits of the first-round Bye are tremendously greater than having the homefield. The injury report this week shows that, and with four more games left to play, there can still be more players who end up sustaining injuries.

Luckily, the 49ers control their destiny now. All they have to do is win out and they will maintain and clinch the No. 1 seed. I like their chances to do