according to reprts; Purdy and Darnold Talk About Week 18 Assignments versus. Rams

according to reprts; Purdy and Darnold Talk About Week 18 Assignments versus. Rams…

After making 16 starts in 2023, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will do something he hasn’t done since Week 2 of his rookie season: sit out a game while still healthy. Purdy’s career began on an unusual note, with the 49ers losing one of their three starting quarterbacks from the 2022 season early in the season.

Purdy took over as QB1 in Week 13 when quarterback Trey Lance sustained a season-ending injury against the Seattle Seahawks in San Francisco’s home opener. He’s been in every game since, till now. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has ruled out Purdy in order to keep him healthy for the upcoming NFC Divisional Round.

“Just the first discussion we had… ‘Man, this is all I know,’ I thought. “This is all I know, to get ready for the next game.” Purdy stated. “This was especially true when we went out to practise and I saw all of my teammates doing it.” Everyone was dressed to the nines and ready to face the Rams.

“I’m practicing, but I’m obviously looking forward to the game.” It’s strange, yet it’s a part of it. We are acting in the best interests of the team and the organisation.”

Sam Darnold will take over at quarterback for the 49ers on Sunday, marking his first regular-season start since Week 18 with the Carolina Panthers.

“If I do need to go in there, l’ll do my best, and whenever I can get reps, it’s always helpful moving forward,” Darnold went on to say.

Darnold has appeared in nine games this season, largely as a backup to Purdy, who sustained a stinger against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15.

“I’ve always viewed myself as someone who just tries to help the team win, however I can,” Darnold was quoted as saying. “I did something similar last year (in Carolina) when Baker (Mayfield) was selected starting… I’m just going to keep playing that role and doing whatever I can to help these guys win on Sundays.”

Purdy intends to be as involved as possible while Darnold is at the helm, while the rest of his teammates finish the regular season.

“I’ll be in tune with the play calls and everything,” Purdy said in an interview. “I’ve continued my process with the installs, plays, and everything this week.” I’m going to do my part to assist Sam and what I’m seeing on the sidelines, just as he has all year for me. I’ll be wearing the headset, listening to the plays, and going through my process.”

Related Information

The 49ers and Rams resort to their reserves ahead of a low-impact finale.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers faces a new dilemma in determining how many players he can rest for the playoffs while still fielding a team in a meaningless Week 18 game.

It sure beats the alternative of having a lot on the line in the regular-season finale.

When the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) and Los Angeles Rams (9-7) meet on Sunday, the NFC West rivalry will have a markedly different feel, with both playoff-bound teams approaching the game virtually as an exhibition.

“This is just stuff that’s a little annoying to think about but once you kind of do, which we had time to do the last couple days, I just had to talk to some players so they understand it,” he said. “We’re OK. We’re going to have a good time this week.”

OTHER UPDATE

Last week, San Francisco clinched the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, allowing Shanahan to rest quarterback Brock Purdy in lieu of Sam Darnold, giving running back Christian McCaffrey time to heal from a minor calf injury and limiting the playing time of other key players.

To reach the 48-player threshold, the Niners will need to dress the majority of their healthy players, but Shanahan was evasive about how much elite players like Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle will play.

“You have to work hard to get an off week in this league,” Shanahan explained. “I think an off week helps a lot of people, especially if you handle it properly.” Just because it’s the end of the season, it allows guys to get a bit fresher and stuff, which you don’t want to have two off weeks.”

The Rams won a wild-card spot last week, and this week’s game will determine whether they will be the sixth seed with a win or a Green Bay defeat, or the 7 seed with a loss and a Packers win.

Coach Sean McVay rested many key players, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive end Aaron Donald, receiver Cooper Kupp, running back Kyron Williams, and linebacker Ernest Jones.

In the wild-card round, the Rams will face either Dallas, Detroit, or Philadelphia.

“I think when you look at the projections, I think they are excellent teams, regardless,” McVay said in an interview. “Taking all that into consideration, didn’t really feel like the other side of it to try to do something to maintain the sixth or know you could be the seventh was best for our team.”

Wentz, who has started 92 games in his career, is grateful for the opportunity to play again after waiting until November to join with a team and then until the season finale to see action.

“For me, it’s just go play, have fun, try to help this team win,” he told reporters. “I understand it’s a different situation. This is Week 18. All of that is true, but my duty is still to go out there and help this team win, and figure everything else out later. But I’m enjoying it and am looking forward to it.”

DARNOLD’S OPPORTUNITY
Darnold joined as a backup with the Niners this offseason, hoping to rebuild his career after a rocky start with the New York Jets and Carolina.

The No. 3 overall pick in 2018 impressed the 49ers during training camp and practice throughout the season, and now he has an opportunity to show the rest of the league in what could be an audition for a job next season.

“I’m really excited for Sam to have this opportunity,” said linebacker Fred Warner. “I’ve seen tremendous things from him since the day he arrived… He has amazing arm talent, making throws on the practice pitch that I haven’t seen anyone else make.”

Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams was named to the Pro Bowl after having one of the most spectacular rookie seasons in NFL history, but he won’t be resting in the finale – at least not before he gets a chance to set a pair of receiving records.

Nacua needs four receptions to break Jaylen Waddle’s rookie record of 104 catches in 2021, and he only needs 29 yards receiving to break Bill Groman’s NFL rookie record established in 1960 in a 14-game season.

The Rams want Nacua to break records, and if Wentz can get the ball to him early, Nacua will likely get the rest of the day off.

“We’ll do our best,” Wentz added, smiling.

ROOKIES RUSHING
In the finale, Rams nose tackle Kobie Turner and edge rusher Byron Young are both in contention to capture the NFL rookie sacks title. Turner leads all rookies with nine sacks after recording 212 against the Giants last week, while Young and Houston’s Will Anderson are tied for second with seven each.

Turner, who is vying for Defensive Rookie of the Year, may also gain sole possession of the Rams’ rookie sacks record, which he currently holds with Donald. Los Angeles chose Turner and Young in the third round last spring, and they’ve developed into consistent contributors for a defence that has above practically everyone’s expectations given their offseason talent purge.

TASTE OF THE DAY
If the Rams win their wild-card game, they might return to Levi’s Stadium in the divisional round to face the Niners again. This should contribute to a simpler game strategy, with neither team wanting to show off.

“There’s a good chance we’re playing this team in two weeks,” he remarked. “So, I think both sides will be fairly bland on that.” If there’s too much stuff, I’d be astonished.”