With the NFC’s top seed already secured in Week 17, the San Francisco 49ers went into their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams with no playoff implications at stake. As a result, the red and gold had a rare opportunity to rest starting quarterback Brock Purdy and several injured playmakers in order to be as healthy as possible for the NFC Divisional Round. Following Sunday’s 21-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers will finish the 2023 season with a 12-5 record.
Here are five things to remember from Sunday’s game:
RB Elijah Mitchell is the first to reach the end zone.
With Christian McCaffrey (calf) out against the Rams, the third-year running back was tasked with leading the 49ers’ ground game, and he delivered.
Mitchell improved on his Week 17 performance of 17 carries, 80 yards, and one touchdown with even more impressive numbers in the finale. He had 14 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown on the ground, as well as two catches for 15 yards in the air.
QB Sam Darnold replaces Brock Purdy at quarterback.
Darnold made his first start for San Francisco after appearing in nine relief appearances this season, with Purdy ruled out of the Week 18 game. San Francisco entered the regular season finale with a league-high 69 points scored on first possessions, and Darnold contributed seven more on Sunday. He completed five of five pass attempts for 49 yards.
