Rams may be denied chance to make Brock Purdy's life more miserable

The history of the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers has been one of the most bitter rivalries in the NFL since 2017. These two teams seem to bring their best competitiveness to face one another in showdowns that inevitably determine the winner of the NFC West. And it's a rivalry that seems to bring out the best and worst of fans.

But that's what NFL rivalries are all about.

The rivalry seems to have a huge effect on players as well. Injured players, particularly those on the Niners roster, seem to heal up just in time to face Los Angeles and play as though they are fresh as daisies.

So, any injury reports in recent years are met with more than a little skepticism by fans.

Still, this is a short week, and the two powerhouses square off on Thursday Night Football.

As such, reports of injured players carry some weight, particularly in the case of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy:

General manager John Lynch informed the Niners' flagship radio station that Purdy (toe) is indeed questionable after returning in Week 4 after a two-game absence.

The full injury report for Week 5 shows an even gloomier picture for the Niners gang. Ten San Francisco players are fighting through various injuries to compete in Week 5. Those players do not include the 15 who are on injured reserve either

Players who will not suit up for this one include tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee).

Don't rule out a banged-up 49ers roster for Week 5

Injured or not, this has not been a great opening for Purdy. He has missed two of four games already, and he has not appeared nearly as potent or comfortable in the pocket as he had in the past. While he has thrown four touchdowns in two games, he has thrown an equal number of interceptions. And he has consistently tossed two picks apiece in each of his starts.

If Purdy is unable to go in a short week, San Francisco will likely turn to backup quarterback Mac Jones, who has been surprisingly effective leading the Red and Gold to victory in his two starts in Weeks 2 and 3.

Still, don't feel too much empathy for San Francisco. After wins against the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints, the 49ers hold all the cards if and when tiebreakers come into the picture for the postseason. The Niners are already 2-0 in the NFC West and 3-0 in conference games.

Conversely, Los Angeles is 0-0 in the division and 0-1 in NFC bouts.

That is why so much importance hangs in the balance in Week 5. Three teams in the division hold 3-1 records, and only one of the two combatants will emerge from Thursday night with a 4-1 record. The other team at 3-1, the Seattle Seahawks, host the 3-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.

Fans may be optimistic if LA's opponent must start a backup quarterback. But Jones has done his part, connecting with at least eight receivers in each win, and showing veteran poise in the pocket. He is still too fresh for the Blue and Yellow defense to get a good bead on him.

The division hangs in the balance. The winner has a mini-bye to enjoy its victory. The loser must stew over the loss for 10 days. Both teams know one another. Both teams know the importance of this game.

In three days, the NFL will know who leads the NFC West.

As always, thanks for reading.

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