After defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, the Los Angeles Rams must now prepare for a short turnaround as they are hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.
Games between the Rams and 49ers have come with a heightened level of intensity in recent years, and that should be no different this week as both teams are 3-1 to begin the 2025 season.
The 49ers could be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy in the matchup, but they will still have plenty of other weapons on offense, including three-time Pro Bowl running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey is now in his fourth season with the 49ers since the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Bay Area in 2022.
During a recent episode of “Kittle Things,” McCaffrey told George Kittle that he thought he was headed to the Rams before the Carolina Panthers traded him to the 49ers, via KNBR:
"I thought I was getting traded to the Rams."
Christian McCaffrey tells the story of when he found out he got traded to the 49ers in 2022.
"Before Kyle Shanahan or John Lynch could call me, George calls me, 'DUDE! FU*K LET'S GOOO!'"
(via @kittlethings) pic.twitter.com/AjU3PZ0q8k
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 30, 2025
The 49ers gave up four draft picks for McCaffrey, which came after the Rams reportedly made a strong push to acquired him.
49ers general manager John Lynch later admitted that the Rams’ involvement in trade talks for McCaffrey pushed him to complete a deal with the Panthers.
McCaffrey had a historic season with the 49ers in 2023, but was limited to just four games last year and is off to a slow start this season.
Although the Rams came up short in their efforts to get McCaffrey, they have to be pleased with their current running back room that includes Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
Rams’ Puka Nacka named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, it was announced Wednesday.
Nacua had a career day in the Rams’ win over the Colts, finishing with 13 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown. It was the most yards of his career and two receptions off his high.
This NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor was the second of Nacua’s career as he also earned it in Week 16 in 2023. In that game against the New Orleans Saints, he had 164 receiving yards which was his previous career-high before going for 170 against the Colts.
