Rams vs 49ers:
When: 8:15 PM ET, Thursday, December 12, 2024
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Injuries Continue to Haunt the 49ers Ahead of Crucial NFC West Showdown
The San Francisco 49ers just can’t catch a break. Ravaged by injuries all season, the Niners face yet another uphill battle as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night in Santa Clara, California.
Less than a year removed from their Super Bowl appearance, San Francisco (6-7) is sitting dead last in the NFC West. To have any realistic shot at sneaking into the playoffs, the Niners will need to run the table against a gauntlet of top-tier opponents: the Rams, Dolphins, Lions, and Cardinals.
Banged-Up Backfield and New Faces
Injuries have gutted San Francisco’s backfield. Star RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle) is out for the season after appearing in just four games. Backup Jordan Mason followed him to IR after both went down in Week 13’s loss to Buffalo. The Niners turned to third-string rookie Isaac Guerendo last week against Chicago, and he delivered big time – racking up 78 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries in a decisive 38-13 win. Guerendo also chipped in 50 receiving yards on two catches, proving his versatility.
But the injury bug didn’t stop there. Guerendo sprained his foot in the fourth quarter and is now a game-time decision for Thursday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the challenge of the short turnaround:
“It’s a quick turnaround, so we have to evaluate him hard each day. Hopefully Thursday will be enough time for him.”
The offensive line isn’t faring much better. All-Pro LT Trent Williams (ankle) and guard Ben Bartch (ankle) missed Tuesday’s practice, while defensive stars Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) are also dealing with lingering issues.
Rams on the Rise
On the other side, the Rams (7-6) are hitting their stride at the perfect time, riding a 6-2 surge over their last eight games. They’re coming off a wild 44-42 victory over Buffalo, where Matthew Stafford torched the Bills’ defense for 320 yards and two touchdowns, completing 23 of 30 passes. Breakout rookie WR Puka Nacua was unstoppable, hauling in 12 catches for 162 yards and a score, while RB Kyren Williams added two touchdowns on the ground.
Head coach Sean McVay isn’t taking San Francisco lightly, despite their lengthy injury report:
“It’s a week-to-week league. They’re well-coached, have excellent personnel, and always show up prepared. Regardless of injuries, they’re going to bring it.”
The Rams control their destiny and have a favorable schedule down the stretch, with all three NFC West rivals – and the struggling Jets – on tap in the final month. A win Thursday would solidify their push for a playoff spot.
Key Rams Injury Updates
The Rams’ offense could get a boost with the possible return of veteran TE Tyler Higbee, who practiced in full on Tuesday after rehabbing from a torn ACL and MCL. His presence would provide Stafford with yet another reliable target.
However, the Rams aren’t fully healthy either. Six players missed Tuesday’s practice, including WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) and CB Cobie Durant (chest).
