Saints Rookie OT Kelvin Banks Jr. Requests to Sit Out the Rest of the Season – And the Reason Behind It Has the Entire Saints Community Bowing in Respect

Santa Clara, California – January 5, 2026 The San Francisco 49ers received the NFL’s official word — and wasted no time making their stance clear. On Sunday night, the league finalized its Wild Card Weekend schedule for the 2025 postseason, confirming that the 49ers, entering as the NFC’s No. 6 seed, will travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the No. 3-seeded Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, January 11, in the late-afternoon window (approximately 3:30–4:30 p.m. ET). The game will air nationally on FOX, placing a high-stakes postseason matchup under the league’s brightest spotlight. The 49ers’ announcement came shortly after the NFL’s release, emphasizing readiness and resolve despite falling short of the NFC West title. In a brief statement from Santa Clara, the team wrote:“Philadelphia. On the road. Playoff football. This is the moment. We’re ready.” San Francisco enters the postseason after a strong but bittersweet regular season finish. The 49ers closed the year at 12–5, securing a Wild Card berth but missing out on the division crown after a Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, who surged to a 14–3 record to claim the NFC West. A tiebreaker loss to the Los Angeles Rams (also 12–5) ultimately pushed the 49ers into the No. 6 seed. Speculation has followed the team in the wake of that late-season setback, particularly regarding consistency and execution against elite competition. Despite a roster loaded with postseason experience, the 49ers now face a demanding road path — beginning in one of the league’s most hostile playoff environments. The stakes extend beyond a single game. Lincoln Financial Field presents a punishing atmosphere, especially in January, where Philadelphia has built its identity around physicality and crowd intensity. With the Eagles hosting, the 49ers face not only a top-seeded opponent but an unforgiving environment where mistakes are rarely forgiven. Still, San Francisco is no stranger to adversity. The franchise has navigated deep postseason runs in recent years, and road playoff victories have become part of its recent identity. With both teams entering with legitimate championship aspirations, the margin for error will be razor thin. The NFL has made its schedule.The 49ers have made their statement. Sunday, January 11.Late afternoon.Philadelphia. The stage is set — for survival, redemption, and a postseason chapter that could define the trajectory of San Francisco’s season.