The 49ers aren't the only team making a quarterback change for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium.
Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for the Rams in Week 18, coach Sean McVay confirmed to reporters on Wednesday. With Los Angeles already having clinched a playoff spot, McVay also announced the team would be without several other key players for Sunday's game against San Francisco.
Stafford isn't the only big-time Rams player missing Sunday's game, as All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald also will be held out, according to McVay.
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Wentz has four NFL career starts against the 49ers, posting a 3-1 record in those contests. The 31-year-old quarterback's last start at Levi's Stadium came in a 30-18 win for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season.
In four career starts against San Francisco, Wentz has thrown for 677 yards with six touchdowns, two interceptions and a 64 percent completion percentage while also rushing for two scores on the ground.
The Rams (9-7) currently are the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture and can secure that spot with a win or tie vs. the 49ers, or if the Green Bay Packers(8-8) lose their Week 18 matchup with the Chicago Bears (7-9)
San Francisco 49ers
With the 49ers locked into the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed regardless of the outcome of Sunday's game against the Rams, Sam Darnold will start at quarterback in place of Brock Purdy as San Francisco also decides to rest its starter ahead of the playoffs.
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