The San Francisco 49ers will have their starting quarterback in Sunday's crucial regular-season finale.
Jimmy Garoppolo, dealing with a torn ligament in his thumb, is expected to start versus the Los Angeles Rams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports, per a source.
Garoppolo was inactive for last week's game due to the injury. The 49ers QB injured the thumb on his throwing hand in a Week 16 road loss to the Tennessee Titans and is likely to undergo offseason surgery to repair the injury, according to Rapoport.
Rapoport adds that San Francisco did not activate another QB ahead of Sunday's game, and players in practice said Jimmy G looked normal when throwing the ball. Rookie Trey Lance, who led the Niners to a win over the Texans in Week 17, took the majority of the practice reps and will be ready if needed.
The 49ers can clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie versus the Rams, or a New Orleans Saints loss or tie. Los Angeles, meanwhile, can secure the NFC West title with a win over San Francisco.
Other injury news we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday's Week 18 games:
- Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn was added to the injury report with an ankle injury and is questionable to play versus the Buccaneers.
- Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
- Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (knee), listed as questionable. is active for Sunday's game against the Packers. Rookie offensive tackle Penei Sewell, who was added to the injury report Saturday with a thumb injury, is inactive.
- Green Bay Packers All-Pro offensive tackle David Bakhtiari is set to make his debut in the final week of the regular season against the Lions. Bakhtiari, who's return this season was delayed after a long recovery from a torn ACL, tweeted out Sunday morning to confirm his return. He is officially active. Running back Aaron Jones (knee) is inactive.
- Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, listed as questionable, is active for Sunday's game versus the Jaguars.
- Minnesota Vikings cornerback Parry Nickerson, who on Saturday was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and elevated from the practice squad, has been medically cleared to play.
- An MRI revealed Philadelphia Eagles tight end Tyree Jackson suffered a torn ACL versus the Cowboys on Saturday, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported.
