SANTA CLARA – The 49ers will be facing a trimmed down Rams squad in Los Angeles for the season finale. The playoff-bound Rams will sit quarterback Jared Goff, league-leading rusher Todd Gurley and All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald among other for the New Year’s Eve game.
“Being locked into that third or fourth seed — every single game is important — but I think it will provide an opportunity for us to potentially get some guys healthier, rest them, give some other guys a chance to step up,” McVay said on the Rams’ web site on Monday.
It’s possible linebacker Alec Oggletree and safety Mark Barron will also rest their injuries. The situation puts the 49ers in an awkward situation. They are gunning for their fifth straight win but will now play a diminished Rams’ squad.
Coach Kyle Shanahan admitted it was bit of bummer to not face the Rams at full strength.
“Yeah it is a little bit,” Shanahan said. “I’d like them to have everyone out there. I think our guys would too. It is what it is and we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t affect us. You’ve got to line up, play whoever you play. If you lose your edge at all, just as anything in this league, you’ll get humbled very fast. We’re just going to make sure that doesn’t affect us.”
