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For the second year in a row, the San Francisco 49ers are preparing to play in the NFC Championship Game.
Last year, the Niners lost to NFC West division rival Los Angeles, who went on to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl.
This year, they’re headed to the east coast to the face the Philadelphia Eagles, who have had at least a share of the best record in the NFL the entire season.
It’ll be a tall task for San Francisco. There are concerns about the health of star running back Christian McCaffrey. Breakout rookie quarterback Brock Purdy faces his most-difficult task yet, and the Niners are dealing with issues away from the field as well.
That’s because San Francisco defensive end Charles Omenihu was arrested on Monday afternoon.
According to The Mercury News, the 49ers defensive lineman “was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence after police were called to his San Jose home.” Omenihu was taken into custody but was later released “after posting bail.”
Most assumed this ruled Omenihu out for Sunday’s game against the Eagles. But that’s apparently not the case.
49ers Set To Play DE Charles Omenihu After Domestic Violence Arrest
The NFL won’t deal with the Omenihu case until after a full legal investigation is complete. And it turns out that the Niners, conveniently, are taking the same approach.
“We’re letting the legal process take care of itself. So if he’s healthy, he’ll play this week,” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday. “We feel very good letting the legal process take care of itself. And don’t feel we should kick him off our team at this time.”
A release from the San Jose police states that a woman called to report that her boyfriend, Omenihu, pushed her to the ground following an argument. She later declined medical attention and police noted no visible injuries. Though she did complain of arm pain.
Omenihu had 4.5 sacks during the regular season. He added two more and a forced fumble in the team’s Wild Card win over the Seattle Seahawks.