49ers Have to Play Final Two Games Without Wendell Tyler

The San Francisco 49ers, who must win their final two games to reach the NFL playoffs, will have to try to do it without starting halfback Wendell Tyler.

Tyler, whose right knee has limited his practice time for several weeks, said after Monday night’s game that he might need surgery, and team orthopedist Michael Dillingham concurred Tuesday.

Dillingham planned to perform arthroscopic surgery on the knee today and said that Tyler will miss the remaining two regular-season games, although he could return for the playoffs if the 49ers are still in the picture.