The San Francisco 49ers know how important Trent Williams is to their hopes of winning the Super Bowl, but they also know how important it is for him to avoid rust.

As such, the All-Pro left tackle will be on the field for at least some of their regular-season finale with the Los Angeles Rams, despite the Niners having nothing to play for.

Both they and the Rams are resting their starting quarterbacks, while Los Angeles, also sure of a playoff position, will also give the likes of Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams a week off.

But with the 49ers also having the benefit of a first-round bye having clinched the one seed in the NFC, they are keen to ensure Williams stays in game shape.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed in his Friday press conference that Williams will play at least some snaps.

Earlier, speaking to KNBR, general manager John Lynch said: "I think we intend on playing Trent early in this game and seeing where that goes, and Trent's all for it. Trent's done tremendous. He's in really good health, and he understands and trusts in Kyle and our coaching staff that we're going to put him and the rest of his teammates in the best possible position."

The 49ers obviously don't want to risk injury to the game's best left tackle, but they are all too aware of the risks of letting him have extended time off in a season that has already seen the 35-year-old miss two games because of an ankle injury.

Asked on Wednesday if it might be good for Williams to have two weeks off, Shanahan replied: "No, I don’t think it’s good for anybody to take two weeks off, so not at all. 

"You should see how Trent was when he came back after a month off or three weeks. It’s not good, but we’ll see how the game goes and everything. His mindset this week’s got to be that he is getting ready to play."

Save for starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who is the only 49er not dealing with an injury to be confirmed as not playing against the Rams, Shanahan has kept the entire team in that mindset.

The 49ers earned the week off in the postseason, but Shanahan is desperate to ensure the rest does not result in a loss of intensity. The Niners need all players, including Williams, to be ready to fire on all cylinders when the Divisional Round rolls around, and it's clear their head coach believes playing at least some snaps against an NFC West rival is the best way to ensure they are in that state physically and mentally.

49ers’ injury update takes pressure off unconvincing rookie

A much-needed return.