49ers' real mission isn't stopping Colts' Philip Rivers, it's slowing Jonathan Taylor

"At 10-4, the 49ers will clinch a playoff berth with a road win over the Indianapolis Colts, who are 8-6 but losers of four consecutive games. Beating the Colts means preventing Taylor from regaining his mojo against a defense gave up a gaudy 6.8 yards per carry and 104 yards on 14 attempts to Tony Pollard in a 37-24 win over the Tennessee Titans. We know we have a challenge this week with such a great running team, coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday. I could sit here and make excuses for stats, but it hasn't been good enough and hopefully we can have a better showing this weekend."

"The 49ers' run defense could get a boost with the potential return of inside linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has missed the last six games with a high ankle sprain and limited with Curtis Robinson taking his place. Also checking out physically is practice squad linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf), who will be limited, as is Bethune. Also limited is defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle), defensive end Yatur Gross-Matos (hamstring) and cornerback Renardo Green (neck). Those who didn't practice included wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. (ankle/knee), defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (knee), guard Spencer Burford (ankle/knee) and linebacker Nick Martin (concussion protocol)."

The 49ers are 10-4 and will clinch a playoff berth with a road win over the Indianapolis Colts, who are 8-6 and losers of four straight. Preventing Colts running back Jonathan Taylor from regaining form is central; Taylor averaged 6.8 yards per carry and gained 104 yards on 14 attempts for Tony Pollard against Tennessee. Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the challenge and admitted recent defensive yards allowed have been insufficient. Potential returns and limited statuses include inside linebacker Tatum Bethune (high ankle sprain), practice-squad linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf), defensive ends Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) and Yatur Gross-Matos (hamstring), cornerback Renardo Green (neck), and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. (ankle/knee). Safety Malik Mustapha praised Taylor and welcomed the opportunity to face him.

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