49ers pregame: Aaron Lynch inactive in what could be final game with SF

Defensive end Aaron Lynch, who is scheduled to be a free agent in March, is inactive for today’s game against the Rams, the fourth time he’s been a healthy scratch this season.

Lynch had 12 1/2 sacks in his first two seasons with San Francisco. But due to a combination of injuries and a four-game suspension last year, Lynch has only 2 1/2 sacks the last two seasons.

Lynch missed four games earlier this season with a calf strain. He’s been a healthy scratch in three additional games, including last week against Jacksonville. Fellow defensive linemen Pita Taumoepenu, Leger Douzable and D.J. Jones also are inactive. Taumoepenu is expected to compete at strong-side linebacker next season.

The Rams have said previously that they will rest a number of prominent starters. Running back Todd Gurley, offensive linemen John Sullivan and Andrew Whitworth and defensive tackle Aaron Donald are among the inactive players. Quarterback Jared Goff will back up Sean Mannion, who will make his first career start today.

49ers inactives

WR Max McCafrrey

RB Jeremy McNichols

S Antone Exum

DL Aaron Lynch

DL Pita Taumoepenu

DL Leger Douzable

DL D.J. Jones

Rams inactives

WR Cooper Kupp

S Lamarcus Joyner

ILB Mark Barron

RB Todd Gurley

ILB Alec Ogletree

C John Sullivan

LT Andrew Whitworth

DT Aaron Donald.

This story was originally published December 31, 2017 at 12:03 PM.