I’m looking forward to seeing six Rams get a chance against the 49ers.

Could Zach Evans take over at running back after a redshirt rookie season?

Sean McVay has made his goals apparent as the Los Angeles Rams prepare to play the San Francisco 49ers in the regular season finale. LA will rest its key starters in the hopes of having them ready for the wildcard round of the playoffs next weekend. McVay has already stated that Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford, Kylie Williams, and Ernest Jones will not be playing this weekend in San Francisco.

It’s worth noting that, while these individuals aren’t anticipated to participate on Sunday, the Rams now have only 53 men on their roster. They don’t have the luxury of holding individuals out with 90-man preseason rosters. Because the numbers don’t go deep enough at some spots, players like Rob Havenstein, Ahekello Witherspoon, and Jordan Fuller will have to dress for this game. Because the objective is to rest these veterans before the postseason, we will most likely see them in a backup or reserve position.

In Week 18, who will step in for these vital players? A few players have the potential to utilize this game as an audition, either for a larger role with the Rams in the future or for another team in the NFL.

These are the six players I’m most excited to watch when the Rams face the 49ers in Santa Clara this weekend.

Carson Wentz, quarterback

The Rams are as good as anybody at using the compensatory draft selection system, and you can’t count it out as a big influence in their choice to sign Carson Wentz near the midpoint of the regular season. LA had just seen backup Brett Rypien falter in a crucial game against the Green Bay Packers. Wentz was at home waiting for the proper opportunity, but he was also passed over as the dust settled on this offseason’s musical chairs of starting quarterback jobs.

Wentz’s performance in this game will influence where he ends up after 2023. The Rams would almost certainly welcome him back as a top-tier backup to an aging Stafford, but there will be teams shopping for veteran starters or transitional quarterbacks this offseason. Wentz may start for the Atlanta Falcons next season and enjoy a resurrection similar to what Baker Mayfield is experiencing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos may be looking for a veteran to avoid forcing a rookie into too much playing time.

Will Wentz capitalize on his chance against the 49ers?