The San Francisco 49ers’ injury report for their regular-season finale with the Los Angeles Rams is, as expected, quite lengthy, and it features another starter who will be glad there is nothing riding on it after sustaining an injury.
Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson did not practice on Wednesday because of a quad strain and is not expected to play against the Rams.
But there were several items of good news from practice ahead of the Week 18 matchup, for which starting quarterback Brock Purdy is the only 49ers player not on the injury report who has been confirmed as receiving a rest from head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Injury report observations
Gipson’s expected recovery timeline is seven to 10 days, meaning he should be fine to play in the 49ers’ Divisional Round playoff clash. For this week, this absence leaves San Francisco very thin at safety.
After missing practice with a knee sprain that kept him out of Week 17, Ji’Ayir Brown would appear unlikely to play. Logan Ryan started last week in his absence, but the 49ers cannot promote fellow veteran Erik Harris to play alongside him as he has reached his limit of three elevations.
Backup slot corner Isaiah Oliver may, therefore, switch to safety after getting significant work there in recent practices. The 49ers also have Tayler Hawkins on the practice squad.
Guard Jon Feliciano’s back issue is another new injury to crop up for the Niners, who have no reason to risk a veteran player who has emerged as a key contributor on the interior offensive line down the stretch.
Arik Armstead, Christian McCaffrey and Ambry Thomas had all already been ruled out of the game. Jordan Mason will receive the bulk of the work in the backfield if Elijah Mitchell’s illness prevents him from playing in McCaffrey’s stead.
Nick Bosa joining Trent Williams in receiving a veteran rest day is no surprise and, though Shanahan insisted in his press conference that the latter did not need two weeks off, it is hard to envision either their star edge rusher or All-Pro left tackle playing many snaps.
Positive news comes in the form of Jauan Jennings and Jaylon Moore practicing in a limited capacity after both missing time with concussions. Jennings has been out for the last two games, but a return to action for the wide receiver could allow the 49ers to sit Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel earlier. Moore would be the favorite to play left tackle once Williams leaves the game.
Left guard Aaron Banks was active last Sunday despite a toe injury but played only five special teams snaps. After practicing in full to start the week, the 49ers might look to get Banks more playing time in Week 18 to ensure he is not rusty for the postseason.
The 49ers opened the 21-day window for return man Ray-Ray McCloud to be activated from injured reserve following a rib injury. He will likely be activated in time for the postseason given Ronnie Bell’s unconvincing performance as a punt returner.
