While the 49ers didn't sweep the NFC West for a second year in a row, they'd probably call the outcome of their Week 18 game against the Los Angeles Rams a best case scenario. The 49ers didn't need the win. What they needed was to get through the game without suffering any significant injuries.
While the 49ers couldn't rest every starter, many were pulled by halftime. Defensive end Clenin Ferrell who started the game at edge rusher opposite Nick Bosa, suffered a knee injury in the 49ers second defensive series. He was carted to the locker room and quickly declared out for the remainder of the game. As Ferrell cleared up after the game, the decision to rule him out was precautionary.
Kyle Shanahan said Ferrell will have tests Monday to get a diagnosis/prognosis on his injury but that it's not an MCL or ACL. Ferrell said the knee just "felt off" and the 49ers opted to shut him down.
Only other injury SUN was S Tayler Hawkins' wrist injury late in the game. https://t.co/FFATbd3cuy
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 8, 2024
Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Ferrell's injury did not involve his MCL or ACL. The team will gather more information on this injury on Monday. Ferrell is optimistic about being available when the 49ers play again in the Divisional round of the playoffs.
The only other injury suffered in the game was a wrist injury to safety Tayler Hawkins. Hawkins is signed to the 49ers practice squad but was a temporary elevation to play in Week 18. He recorded four tackles, one pass defended, and an interception before exiting the game late.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (achilles tendonitis) and tight end George Kittle (back spasm) who went through pre-game warm ups and were active to play, were both held out as a precaution.
Shanahan said George Kittle's (back spasms) and Dre Greenlaw's (Achilles tendonitis) absences today were both precautionary. Both went through early portion of warm-ups. https://t.co/Rqem0zRsxC
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 8, 2024
All in all, the 49ers look to be largely healthy going into their first playoff game in two weeks. Now that is what I call a win.
