Joshua Dobbs has been named the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in their season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, stepping in for the injured Brock Purdy. Coach Kyle Shanahan made the announcement, citing Dobbs' mobility as a key factor given the team's struggling offensive line, which will feature several backup players.

Despite the 49ers' disappointing 6-10 season, Dobbs' experience, having started games for both the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, gives the team hope. His career stats include a passer rating of 77.5 and a solid rushing ability, which could be crucial in the upcoming game.

The Detroit Lions are poised for a pivotal matchup against the San Francisco 49ers as the 2024 NFL season approaches its climax. With an impressive record, the Lions are set to face the 49ers in a crucial game that could solidify their position for the NFC's No. 1 seed. The Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, are determined to bring their best effort to this contest, emphasizing that they will not rest any starters despite the looming showdown against the Minnesota Vikings the following week.

The 49ers, however, are struggling with injuries that have plagued their season. Their offensive line is particularly affected, with three key starters—Aaron Banks, Spencer Burford, and Colton McKivitz—on the injury report. While Banks and Burford are out of practice, McKivitz has been limited. This situation highlights the challenges the 49ers face as they attempt to finish the season strong.

Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming game, the Lions and Vikings matchup next Sunday will be critical for determining the NFC playoff picture. The Lions currently hold a tiebreaker advantage over the Vikings, which could come into play if both teams finish with identical records. A loss for the Lions against the 49ers would complicate their playoff standing, especially with the Vikings looking to capitalize on any opportunity.

In an interesting twist, Teddy Bridgewater is set to serve as the emergency quarterback for the Lions. Fresh off a state championship win with his high school team, Bridgewater's return to the NFL adds an intriguing storyline to the game, although he is not expected to see significant action. As both teams prepare for this critical Week 17 clash, the stakes could not be higher for playoff positioning in the NFC.

The San Francisco 49ers are making significant roster changes ahead of their matchup against the Detroit Lions, particularly in their offensive line due to a series of injuries. Undrafted rookie center Drake Nugent has been elevated to the active roster and is set to make his NFL debut during the highly anticipated 'Monday Night Football' game at Levi’s Stadium. Nugent, a former standout at Stanford, has been brought in to help bolster the 49ers' offensive line, which has been severely impacted by injuries.

In a move to address their depth, the 49ers placed guard Aaron Banks on injured reserve. Additionally, they activated rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune, who had been sidelined for the past five games due to a sprained knee suffered in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. The team also elevated defensive lineman Alex Barrett from the practice squad. The recent injury list for the 49ers includes notable offensive tackles Trent Williams and Jaylon Moore, both of whom have been placed on injured reserve, alongside Spencer Burford, who has been ruled out for the game.

To further strengthen their offensive line, the 49ers signed several new players, including Austen Pleasants, Charlie Heck, and Matt Hennessy, to the active roster. Nugent’s collegiate career includes 42 games played with 39 starts, where he earned recognition as an All-Big Ten selection and contributed to Michigan's national championship victory in his final season.

In a generous holiday gesture, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy gifted his offensive linemen with ten brand new cars, including five Toyota Tacomas and five Toyota Sequoias. This surprise was a heartfelt thank you for their hard work in protecting him throughout the season.

The video showed eight offensive linemen, including Aaron Banks and Jake Brendel, expressing their appreciation for Purdy's extravagant gifts, highlighting the camaraderie within the team.

In Week 15 of the NFL, several players made notable contributions despite mixed results for their teams. Dante Stills and Kyzir White led the Arizona Cardinals to a victory over the New England Patriots, with White achieving a team-high 12 tackles.

Meanwhile, Rasul Douglas helped the Buffalo Bills secure a win against the Detroit Lions. David Long Jr. struggled defensively in the same game.

Other players like Bryce Ford-Wheaton of the New York Giants and Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks had challenging outings, while several players remained on practice squads.