As the San Francisco 49ers secure the NFC’s NO. 1 seed, speculation swirls about which players they’ll rest in their Week 18 clash against the Los Angeles Rams. With home field advantage and a first-round Bye in the bag, the usual hype of a Rams-49ers regular season finale dims.
Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that QB Brock Purdy won’t hit the field for this crucial matchup. Shanahan stated, ‘Brock is the one guy I’m certain won’t be playing.’ However, injuries complicate matters as at least six players are sidelined, limiting the luxury of resting several key players.
Meanwhile, Rams coach Sean McVay follows suit, declaring that QB Matthew Stafford will also sit out Week 18. With the Rams locked into the sixth seed and unable to improve their playoff position, the finale holds lower stakes for Los Angeles.
Both teams opting to rest their starting quarterbacks signals a strategic move in preparation for the postseason, minimizing risk and ensuring key players stay fresh for the playoffs.
In the wake of the San Francisco 49ers securing the NFC’s top seed, speculation has surged about which players will take a breather in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers’ solidification of home field advantage and a first-round Bye has notably dampened the usual high-stakes thrill that marks regular season finales between the Rams and 49ers.
Coach Kyle Shanahan unequivocally confirmed that QB Brock Purdy won’t be gracing the field for this pivotal matchup. Shanahan stressed, “Brock is the sole player I’m certain won’t be in action.” However, a substantial injury list, sidelining at least six players, complicates the strategy, limiting the luxury of resting multiple key players.
On the other side, Rams coach Sean McVay aligns with a similar game plan, declaring that QB Matthew Stafford will also sit out Week 18. With the Rams securely locked into the sixth seed and unable to climb the playoff ladder, the regular season’s final game holds less significance for Los Angeles.
The absence of both starting quarterbacks signals a shift in the lineup, with Carson Wentz leading the Rams’ offense and Sam Darnold taking the reins for San Francisco. While the practice schedule largely remains unchanged, the division of reps reflects the alteration in quarterback dynamics for the upcoming week.
Shanahan emphasized, “We’re maintaining a regular routine for this time of the year, which means we’ll run drills at half speed. Brock and Sam will evenly split reps with the starting unit. I want our team to approach this as if Brock goes down on the opening play. That’s why I’m having both of them get equal reps.”
The extensive injury roster for the 49ers, featuring notable players like running back Christian McCaffrey, cornerback Ambry Thomas, and defensive lineman Arik Armstead, heavily influences the decision-making process regarding player participation against the Rams. Balancing roster numbers, ensuring players stay in peak condition, and keeping the team in sync present key considerations.
Shanahan highlighted the importance of utilizing the week effectively, stating, “Earning an off week in this league is hard work. It’s crucial to make the most out of it, especially in how we handle it. We’re set to earn our Bye next week… We need to extract value from this week while balancing our preparations.”
This strategic maneuver aims to maximize rest for key players while keeping the team primed for the postseason, striking a delicate balance between rest and preparation for the imminent playoffs.
The San Francisco 49ers’ clinching of the NFC’s No. 1 seed has ignited discussions about player rest strategies for their Week 18 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. Securing home field advantage and a first-round Bye has notably tempered the excitement typically associated with the Rams-49ers regular season finales.
In a decisive move, Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that QB Brock Purdy won’t see action in the season’s final game, prioritizing preparation for the Divisional Round clash scheduled for the weekend of January 20.
“Brock is the one player I’m certain won’t be on the field,” stated Shanahan. However, a substantial injury list, affecting at least six players, complicates the team’s approach, limiting the ability to rest multiple key contributors.
Similarly, Rams Coach Sean McVay declared that QB Matthew Stafford would also sit out Week 18. Locked into the sixth seed, the Rams have no chance of improving their playoff position, making the regular season finale a lower-stakes affair for Los Angeles.
With both starting quarterbacks sidelined, the Rams will rely on Carson Wentz at center stage, while Sam Darnold takes command of San Francisco’s offense. Practice routines are set to mostly maintain continuity, but adjustments in reps will reflect the change in quarterback dynamics for the upcoming week.
“We’re approaching this as a typical week for this time of year, meaning we’ll dial back the intensity,” Shanahan noted. “Brock and Sam will split reps with the starters. I want our team to simulate Brock’s hypothetical injury on the opening play, hence both getting equal reps.”
The extensive injury roster, including notable players like running back Christian McCaffrey, cornerback Ambry Thomas, and defensive lineman Arik Armstead, significantly influences decisions regarding player involvement against the Rams. Balancing roster numbers, maintaining player fitness, and keeping the team in sync are critical considerations.
Shanahan emphasized the importance of utilizing the week effectively, saying, “Earning an off week in this league is challenging. We need to make the most of it, ensuring we gain something from this week while preparing for our earned Bye next week.”
The sentiments echoed by players further underlined the team’s approach to the practice week.
“We’re gearing up as if it’s a regular week, focusing on refinement,” emphasized defensive lineman Nick Bosa. “There’s potential to face them again, so any edge we can secure this week holds significance.”
“I’m focused on improvement, both individually and collectively as a team and defense,” linebacker Fred Warner added. “Every moment on the field is an opportunity to showcase our best. We aim to be our peak selves whenever we take the field next.”
Leave a Reply