The San Francisco 49ers have disclosed their quarterback strategy for the upcoming regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters that Brock Purdy will not play on Sunday, providing the quarterback a two-week break leading into the playoffs.
Earlier today, the Rams announced that Carson Wentz would start against the 49ers instead of Matthew Stafford. While San Francisco has secured the No. 1 seed in the postseason, Los Angeles will be seeded either sixth or seventh, depending on the outcome of Sunday's game.
"Brock's the only guy for sure I know I don't plan on playing," Shanahan said.
That means it will be Sam Darnold starting against the Rams. However, it doesn't mean the 49ers will allow Purdy to take the entire week off.
"Brock, we're treating this as a normal week," Shanahan noted. "So this is a normal Wednesday at this time of year, which means we go half-speed on everything. We don't do anything full-speed this time of year on a Wednesday. Brock will get half of the reps with the ones. Sam will get the other [half].
"I want our team to treat this week as Brock going down on the first play of the game. That's why I want them both repping it. I want Brock to get some work this week, and that's something I'd like us to be ready for, if that, unfortunately, did happen.
"Thursday, when it's all full-speed, I'll probably give Sam the majority of [the practice reps]. We'll talk about that after today. And Friday, we're back to walk-through."
Shanahan also noted that defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee), running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle), guard Jon Feliciano (back), cornerback Ambry Thomas (hand), safety Tashaun Gipson (quad), and safety Ji'Ayir Brown (knee) won't practice today. Additionally, running back Elijah Mitchell is dealing with an illness and will not practice.
