Purdy explains challenge as ‘competitor’ sitting vs. Rams

SANTA CLARA — Week 18 has already been a huge challenge for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, but not in the usual way. For the first time since becoming the 49ers starting quarterback, Purdy will sit out of the team's Week 18 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Levi's Stadium. While the Iowa State product is mentally preparing for the game, as if he were going to play, the situation has felt very different. "For me, this is all I know," Purdy said on Thursday. "To prepare for the next game and get ready. Especially when we went out to practice and I saw my teammates doing that. Everyone dressed, ready to go, and preparing for the Rams." Coach Kyle Shanahan had a conversation with his young signal-caller early in the week, informing him that Sam Darnold would get the start on Sunday. With the No. 1 seed in the NFC secured by the 49ers, there is no need to risk injury at the most important position in the game. Purdy will dress on Sunday but as the club's third (emergency) quarterback - an allowance due to Purdy's own injury in the 2022 NFC Championship game and the subsequent injury of his backup, Josh Johnson. "I'm practicing but obviously not getting to go for the...