"49ers' Shanahan Balances Injury Concerns with Momentum Ahead of Rams Clash"
San Francisco 49ers' top defensive players, including Pro Bowl linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa, are preparing to play in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams as if they will participate fully, despite the team having secured the No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye. Coach Kyle Shanahan is not planning to give his players the typical game-day workload but wants them to maintain a normal week's mindset. Backup quarterback Sam Darnold will start over Brock Purdy, and running back Christian McCaffrey will rest due to a mild calf strain. The 49ers' first playoff game is likely to be on Saturday, January 20.