It doesn’t sound like the 49ers are planning on outright resting many starters vs. the Rams. In fact, their injury situation is such that they can’t rest more than a couple players in order to field a full team.
The more likely scenario than players simply sitting out the game is that most starters will begin the game and then get removed at a certain point to make way for backups, a la the way the third preseason game is typically handled.
With some starters either injured, sitting out, or possibly taking on a more limited role, it should open the door for a handful of players to get an extended opportunity:
QB Sam Darnold
Darnold will start under center for San Francisco. There’s nothing he can really do to change his station in the immediate future, but long-term a strong outing in his first start for the 49ers could make him a more desirable starting option for teams in the offseason when he’s an unrestricted free agent. He would also instill confidence that he’s capable of leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl if something happens to Brock Purdy and he’s not available in a playoff game.
WR Ray-Ray McCloud
McCloud is expected to come off IR in time to get one more regular-season game under his belt. He’s missed the last five games with a rib injury that landed him on IR. McCloud is the 49ers’ primary punt and kick returner and Sunday will be his chance to knock some rust off. He should also get plenty of run at wide receiver where he hasn’t had much chance to make an impact in an offense already loaded with weapons.
RB Elijah Mitchell
Mitchell put together a terrific 17-carry, 80-yard outing in the 49ers’ Week 17 win over the Commanders after missing three games with a knee injury. His game in Washington instilled confidence that he can provide a reliable No. 2 option behind RB Christian McCaffrey. However, there’s also a chance the 49ers unleash an offensive wrinkle in the playoffs where both Mitchell and McCaffrey are on the field together.
RB Jordan Mason
There haven’t been a ton of opportunities for Mason to overtake Mitchell on the depth chart. He’s unlikely to do so in one week, but a strong outing would give the 49ers something to think about in how they want to distribute their RB carries in the postseason.
CB Samuel Womack
Jason Verrett’s season-ending shoulder injury could mean a ton of work is available for Womack. The 2022 fifth-round pick won the starting nickel job out of camp as a rookie, but he lost that spot after just two weeks. He’s versatile enough to play inside and outside, and playing well at either spot in extended action would open the door to him potentially competing for a starting job next season.
DE Clelin Ferrell
Ferrell should see some additional playing time, but he’ll also have a couple incentives on the line. He needs to reach 50 percent of snaps played on the season to check that incentive box. He also needs just 1.5 sacks to reach 5.0 and kick in another contract incentive. Keep a close eye on No. 94.
OL Jaylon Moore
Moore cleared concussion protocol and will be ready to play Sunday. Even with Trent Williams in line to start, Moore could see a ton of action since it’s unlikely Williams plays an entire game. Any left tackle snaps are big for Moore, who might be the 49ers’ best offensive tackle outside of Williams. If he shows real improvement from his stint as the team’s starter when Williams was out it could change how San Francisco views its OL depth.
