Coach Kyle Shanahan has a lot to think about this week as the 49ers work out their plan for their Week 18 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The 49ers clinched the first seed in the NFC playoffs with their 27-10 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday at FedExField and the Philadelphia Eagles' loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
And even if there is a tendency to sit out all the top players, that is not possible either.
However, it has already been decided that running back Christian McCaffrey will have to miss the regular season finale due to a slight right calf strain.
Shanahan said McCaffrey would be ready to play when the 49ers host their first playoff game on Jan. 20 or 21.
“We’re really confident about that,” Shanahan said Monday in a conference call with Bay Area reporters.
“It was good news. It could have been much worse. Were happy. We’ll take care of him this week and hopefully he can get going on our week off.”
Due to his calf ailment, McCaffrey was only able to score a single run in the second half of Sunday's game. Backup Elijah Mitchell came into the game and scored a game-high 80 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
Shanahan was noncommittal about whether quarterback Brock Purdy would play against the Rams. He suffered stingers in the last two games, but made it through Sunday's game without any problems.
The 49ers can have a maximum of seven inactive players, and cornerback Ambry Thomas will be one of them. Thomas is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday for a broken hand. He should be available to the 49ers at the start of the playoffs.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot and knee) will not play against the Rams. He has missed four games in a row.
“We’re going to continue to rest him and get him ready for the playoffs,” Shanahan said of Armstead.
Safety Ji'Ayir Brown (knee) and tight end Ross Dwelley (high ankle) also may not be available for the Rams.
Additionally, wide receiver Jauan Jennings and backup tackle Jaylon Moore remain in the NFL's return-to-play concussion protocol.
The 49ers open the practice window for receiver/returnman Ray-Ray McCloud (ribs) on Wednesday. McCloud and Danny Gray (shoulder) could be brought off injured reserve this week. Gray completed his first week of training last week.
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