In the lead-up to the San Francisco 49ers' regular season finale, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the hot topic of resting players. While it is confirmed that star running back Christian McCaffrey will be sidelined due to a mild calf strain, Shanahan revealed that he is still discussing the plan for other starters, including rookie quarterback Brock Purdy.

Shanahan emphasized the challenges and considerations involved in resting players, citing both the impact on practice and the potential for developing bad habits. "You've got to make sure that you prepare for games by practicing," Shanahan emphasized, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a rhythm and avoiding rustiness leading into the playoffs.

The coach stressed that sitting players puts an added workload on others, as there are limitations on the number of players that can be brought up from the practice squad. Shanahan is aware that resting players could potentially lead to more injuries and has witnessed such decisions impacting teams in the past.

Fans may be inclined to argue that the players would have an additional week of rest with a bye week, but Shanahan highlighted the significance of the week of practice leading up to the Divisional playoff round. He pointed out the potential benefits, such as players recovering from injuries and being able to perform without restrictions, which could make a crucial difference during the playoffs.

The 49ers have endured numerous injuries throughout the season, and the extra week of practicing and rehabilitating could prove instrumental in improving the team's health ahead of the playoffs. Ambry Thomas, who has been playing with a cast on his hand, and Aaron Banks, who has been nursing a toe injury, could benefit from an additional week of recovery.

Despite the ongoing discussions, Shanahan made it clear that there is no definitive decision regarding resting players. Each player's situation and the team's overall needs will be evaluated throughout the week, ensuring a balanced approach that takes into account both short-term and long-term considerations.

As the regular season finale approaches, Shanahan's decision-making process and the team's approach to rest versus practice will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized. The 49ers aim to strike the delicate balance between optimizing player health and maintaining their competitive edge as they gear up for the playoffs.

Overall, Shanahan's insights shed light on the complexities coaches face when it comes to managing player rest, especially in the face of mounting injuries. The final decision will ultimately come down to the unique circumstances surrounding each player, their injury status, and the team's ultimate goal of making a deep playoff run.