Rams' Wentz starting vs. 49ers; Darnold in for Purdy

It'll be Carson Wentz versus Sam Darnold for Sunday's regular-season finale between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.

The Rams are starting Wentz in order to rest Matthew Stafford before the postseason, head coach Sean McVay confirmed Wednesday. Los Angeles clinched a playoff spot in Week 17.

McVay added that the Rams will also rest running back Kyren Williams, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and linebacker Ernest Jones.

Meanwhile, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Darnold will fill in for Brock Purdy after the team already locked up the NFC's No. 1 seed, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury.

Wentz signed with the Rams in November and hasn't started a game since Week 17 of the 2022 season when he was part of the Washington Commanders.

Depending on the results of Week 18, the 9-7 Rams will end the campaign as either the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the NFC.

Los Angeles has been one of the NFC's hottest teams since returning from its Week 10 bye, owning a 6-1 record in that span. That lone loss was an overtime defeat on the road to the Baltimore Ravens, who own the AFC's top seed.

The 49ers will also be without star running back Christian McCaffrey, who was ruled out earlier this week due to a calf strain.

Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.