One name was absent from the list of roster moves—Nate Sudfeld. The practice squad quarterback was among the players protected this past week. He won't be active on Sunday, and it is unlikely the 49ers plan to carry just one quarterback into the playoff-impacting Week 18 matchup. That means San Francisco feels confident that Jimmy Garoppolo can play against the Los Angeles Rams and possibly even start. Rookie Trey Lance will be the team's other active quarterback.
Garoppolo has been dealing with a torn ligament and chipped bone in his thumb, an injury that forced the veteran quarterback to miss Week 17's game against the Houston Texans. Lance started in his place and helped guide the 49ers to a 23-7 victory. The rookie completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 249 yards, two touchdowns, an interception, and owned a passer rating of 116.0 in his second career start.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been secretive when it comes to his Week 18 starting quarterback.
"I think you guys understand why you don't announce it," Shanahan told reporters on Friday. "But regardless, especially with Trey playing last week, we've got two guys here with some experience that our team feels good with, and we'll see how it plays out."
Garoppolo was limited during each practice this week. His participation was seen as progress, though, given the quarterback's inability to participate in practices heading into Week 17. Garoppolo admits that the situation isn't ideal, given the amount of pain he has to endure while throwing the football.
"F--k, it hurts," Garoppolo shared this week. "I don't know how else to describe it. It feels like the web in your hand is kind of tearing a little bit. That's probably the best way I can describe it."
The 49ers are viewing Sunday's game as a must-win situation. Should San Francisco emerge victorious, the team will clinch a playoff berth. A loss paired with a New Orleans Saints win would end the Niners' season.
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