"49ers Balance Rest and Play Strategy Amid Injuries Before Week 18 Clash"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NBC Sports
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is weighing the pros and cons of resting starters versus playing them in a seemingly inconsequential Week 18 game, after securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. He acknowledges the complexity of the decision, considering the need to maintain practice routines and avoid bad habits, while also not risking injuries to key players. The decision is nuanced, involving discussions with coaches and players, and aims to find the right balance to ensure the team is primed for playoff success without unnecessary risks. Shanahan's deliberation comes in the context of recent injuries like Bradley Chubb's, highlighting the potential costs of playing starters in games with no playoff implications.