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49ers vs. Rams: 5 players who need to step up in Week 6

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Alfred Morris #46 of the San Francisco 49ers gets away from Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Rams won 48-32. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Alfred Morris #46 of the San Francisco 49ers gets away from Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Rams won 48-32. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers follows his blocker Laken Tomlinson #75 of the San Francisco 49ers as he rushes for a gain against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers follows his blocker Laken Tomlinson #75 of the San Francisco 49ers as he rushes for a gain against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Offensive Guard Laken Tomlinson

The Rams may currently be known for their offense and what Sean McVay can do with his innovative ways.

That said, Los Angeles’ best player is still the perennial All-Pro, defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

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Sure, L.A.’s defense hasn’t been anywhere near as potent this season as it was a year ago. Overall in scoring, this unit ranks 26th best in the league ahead of Week 6. The Rams will surrender some points.

But with a weakened offensive line, left guard Laken Tomlinson will have to be at the top of his game on Sunday.

Tomlinson and center Weston Richburg will handle a lot of the blocking duties against Donald, yes. But Richburg, this season, has shown why the 49ers invested so heavily in him as a free agent in 2018. He’s living up to his contract.

Tomlinson, meanwhile, has already been called for three penalties this season — tied for most along the O-line with Skule, whose three came in his first start.

Donald can force a lot of holds and false starts. And with Kyle Juszczyk not available for extra blocking support, Tomlinson will need to handle his duties extra carefully on Sunday.

Next. 3 49ers players who underwhelmed in Week 5 win vs. Browns. dark

The 49ers and Rams kick off on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.