As expected, Todd Gurley will be out for the Rams‘ pivotal NFC West showdown with the 49ers on Sunday afternoon.
An injured quadriceps will keep Gurley from playing, NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz reported on Saturday.
ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry first reported the news.
Gurley was designated as doubtful on Friday, so his out status was expected.
Gurley will miss his first game since Week 17 of last year’s regular season.
In Gurley’s absence, it’s likely the Rams will look to Malcom Brown and rookie Darrell Henderson at running back. In a move that made Gurley’s status all the more apparent, L.A. also signed running back John Kelly from the practice squad on Saturday.
Gurley’s workload had already been toned down with just 78 touches through the first five weeks, as he’s gained 270 yards on 64 carries with 68 yards on 14 receptions.
Brown has shown promise in his opportunities this season, having averaged 4.4 yards per carry on 26 attempts with two touchdowns. Henderson should get his first substantial work as he’s had just one touch.
Though it’s expected news for the Rams (3-2), they face a tougher task in trying to end a two-game skid and hand the 49ers (4-0) their first loss with their star running back on the mend.