Starters Week 18 vs Rams

The 49ers have already clinched the 1st seed in the NFC, so no starter should be playing right? Well as Kyle Shanahan said, there is only so many starters you can rest. It can be a lot to figure out who is playing Week 18 versus the Los Angeles Rams, so here is a comprehensive list of the intended players.

ON OFFENSE

QB - Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold will be playing in place of Brock Purdy. Purdy has had some injury frights with his shoulder, so the 49ers will be taking no risks at an even greater injury. Darnold will make his first start since signing with the 49ers, and a chance to prove why he was the 3rd overall pick. It will be a curious matchup between him and Carson Wentz.

RB - Elijah Mitchell

With McCaffrey suffering a calf sprain injury in a Week 17 win against the Washington Commanders, the 49ers will undoubtedly be resting McCaffrey. This gives him three whole weeks to rest and prepare for the divisional round. Elijah Mitchell has 229 rushing yards and is looking to add more and prove he should be the de facto RB2 over Jordan Mason, who will be getting plenty of touches.

Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle

The star studded receiving core should be able to start this game. However, don’t expect them to play the whole game. Realistically, they will probably play the first half before being subbed out. With Jauan Jennings out, players like Ray Ray McCloud, Ronnie Bell, and Chris Conley should be getting minutes. Charlie Woerner will be playing the non-Kittle minutes with Ross Dwelley out.

FB - Kyle Juszczyk

The reliable fullback should also be making the start, with no one on the team playing a similar role as he does.

OL - Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Jon Feliciano, Colton McKivitz

Surprisingly, Trent Williams will play on Sunday. It should be good to give Sam Darnold some experience with the HOF offensive tackle if the situation ever arises. But with his age, Trent should not be playing too hard or much. If he leaves, then Jaylon Moore will take his spot.

ON DEFENSE

With the depth on the defensive line, expect minimal minutes from Nick Bosa and Chase Young. Javon Hargrave may not even play, nor will Arik Armstead. Javon Kinlaw, being a free agent next year, will get the start in their place.

With the exception of safety, most of the starters will return and play some minutes. This includes Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, and Charvarius Ward. 

However at safety both Ji’Ayir Brown AND Tashuan Gipson will miss the game. And with Talanoa Hufanga and George Odum on IR, this leaves the 49ers incredibly thin at safety. That will need to be a position to get healthy for the playoffs. Logan Ryan will be getting the majority of the minutes, but it is unclear who will be alongside him. Perhaps Steve Wilks moves one of Darrell Luter Jr or Samuel Womack III to safety, or maybe he goes with a single safety look. It will be an interesting to see what he does at safety.