The San Francisco 49ers have made the decision to rest several key players in their final game of the regular season. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy, star running back Christian McCaffrey, safety Ji'Ayir Brown, and defensive lineman Arik Armstead, among others, will sit out the game in an effort to ensure the team's best state for the upcoming NFC Divisional Round.

With a limited number of healthy players available, Purdy will be the team's only healthy scratch for Week 18. In his place, Sam Darnold will assume the starting quarterback position when the 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, despite an illness, fullback Kyle Juszczyk will be active for the game.

The importance of this regular season finale is diminished due to the 49ers already securing a first-round bye and home field advantage. Similarly, the Rams have taken a similar approach by resting their starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and other key members of their roster.

As the game unfolds, the focus will be on the depth and resilience of both teams' substitutes. This matchup serves as a chance for the 49ers to assess the capabilities of their backup players and evaluate their performance under game conditions.

While the regular season finale may lack the same intensity as in previous years, it offers an opportunity for the 49ers and Rams to fine-tune their strategies and explore alternative options as they prepare for the playoffs.