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49ers-Rams Inactives: Major absences, but Garoppolo set to start

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© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

In the most consequential game of the season, the San Francisco 49ers will be without arguably their best player. The 49ers announced before Sunday’s regular-season finale that left tackle Trent Williams, who was battling an elbow sprain all year and missed every day of practice this week, will be inactive.

So, too, will K’Waun Williams, San Francisco’s stellar star slot corner who was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday.

Rookie tackle Jaylon Moore is likely to take over for Williams at left tackle but Colton McKivitz could also be a surprise start there. Williams’ nickel corner spot could be manned by veteran Dontae Johnson, also activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list but active for Sunday. Rookie Ambry Thomas and Josh Norman are also available, though one will likely start on the outside.

Below is the 49ers’ full list of inactives:

  • LT Trent Williams
  • CB K’Waun Williams
  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair
  • LB Marcell Harris
  • DT Maurice Hurst
  • DB Jarrod Wilson

That’s a thin linebacker group, too, but Dre Greenlaw is expected to play after battling a season-long groin injury.

It also goes without saying that Jimmy Garoppolo is active and is expected to start, with the 49ers not activating practice squad quarterback Nate Sudfeld. Garoppolo had a short, roughly five-minute warmup before the game, while rookie Trey Lance went through his full, normal routine.

Below is the Rams’ inactive list:

  • QB Bryce Perkins
  • OLB Chris Garrett
  • OLB Terrell Lewis
  • OL Alaric Jackson
  • OL Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
  • TE Brycen Hopkins

Los Angeles came into this game without any players ruled out, questionable or doubtful due to injury. It is San Francisco coming in as the team reeling after a couple weeks of COVID-19 disasters for the Rams.