The 49ers are missing several of their top players as they open NFC West play at SoFi Stadium against the Rams: Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles); Deebo Samuel (calf); George Kittle (hamstring).
One former All-Pro is returning to the San Francisco lineup, though, in safety Talanoa Hufanga, who suffered a torn ACL last November and will dress Sunday for the first time since. Nick Bosa and Charvarius Ward were also questionable this week but are active Sunday
The Rams will also be without key players as star wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are both out; Nacua is on injured reserve with a knee injury stemming from Week 1 while Kupp was ruled out with an ankle injury suffered last week. Los Angeles already has five offensive linemen on IR.
Given the injuries to pass-catchers, both teams could feature a run-heavy attacking the divisional showdown. Jordan Mason rushed for triple digits each of the first two weeks, his first two career starts. Rookie Isaac Guerendo saw his first career carry last week and could have a few more to spell Mason with part-time rusher Samuel out. Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings figure to be Brock Purdy’s top targets in the passing game.
The Rams have struggled on the ground: Kyren Williams has 75 yards on 30 carries over the first two games to lead them. Matt Stafford will look to Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson with Nacua and Kupp injured.
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