49ers dodge bullet with injury to veteran starter

The San Francisco 49ers appeared to have paid the price for playing some of their starters in Week 18 when defensive end Clelin Ferrell left their matchup with the Los Angeles Rams with a knee injury.

San Francisco had nothing to play for in the regular-season finale having already clinched the number one seed, but still played some starters into the second half.

Ferrell left the game in the first half and was taken from the sideline on a cart.

The former fourth overall pick of the Las Vegas Raiders has been a substantial part of the 49ers' edge rotation this season, and Kyle Shanahan's update after the game suggested he will continue to operate in that role in the postseason despite the injury.

"No ACL, no MCL, but we'll figure out exactly what it is tomorrow," said Shanahan.

Shanahan said there's a chance Ferrell could miss their Divisional Round playoff game, though the player downplayed that possibility.

Per Matt Barrows of The Athletic, Ferrell said he left the game as a precaution and is optimistic of playing in two weeks' time.

Ferrell finished the 2023 season with 3.5 sacks and a career-high 13 quarterback hits and, having seemingly avoided serious injury, he may still have the chance to enjoy a larger influence in the playoffs.