Darnold will start Sunday's game against the Rams, coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 49ers have clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 12-4 record, so they will give starting quarterback Brock Purdy a breather before the playoffs. Star running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) has already been ruled out, and it's possible that Darnold won't have Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel or George Kittle at his disposal either against a Rams team that's also in rest mode prior to the postseason and will start Carson Wentz at quarterback.