49ers lose Ferrell for at least a game, but Armstead’s return path looks good

It’s all going according to plan. The 49ers played their regular season finale against the Rams hoping to keep key players available for the playoffs and coach Kyle Shanahan reported Tuesday his team is about as healthy as could be expected heading into two bye week practices. The exception was starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell, whose knee injury will keep him out of the 49ers’ divisional round game on Jan.

20 or 21 against an opponent to be determined. That news was offset by the expected return of defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who missed the last five games with foot and knee issues. “I think it looks good,” Shanahan said on a conference call with local media. “Our goal was to get out of that game healthy.

I think Cle’s the one we’re going to lose most likely for at least one game. After that, we didn’t lose anyone else in the game and it looks like we’re getting most of these guys back that missed that game.” Armstead, who was in the midst of one of his best seasons before being injured, might have played last week if the game had any bearing on the 49ers seeding.

As it turned out, the 49ers wrapped up the top seed and the first round bye — giving him even more time to heal. “We were really pumped that he didn’t have to go last week,” Shanahan said. “Just giving him that extra week, he’s better than he was a week ago at this time. Hopefully it will give him enough time to ease back into this and make him even better a week from now.” The 49ers plan to have a light session that will be mostly exercise and “throwing the ball around” Wednesday, with more serious sessions Thursday and Friday.

The Thursday session may be in pads. Here’s a roll call of the 49ers’ injuries other than Ferrell and Armstead: — Running back Christian McCaffrey, who sat out a 21 20 loss to the Ram with a calf strain, won’t practice this week but is expected back next week. — Tight end George Kittle, who missed the Rams game with back spasms, is “doing much better,” according to Shanahan.

— Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who missed the Ram game with Achilles’ tendonitis, will be limited. “We’ll be smart with him this week,” Shanahan said. — Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is out of concussion protocol after missing three games. — Safety Ji’Ayir Brown, who missed the last two games with a knee strain, could practice this week and be available for the playoff opener.

— Safety Tashaun Gipson, who sat out the Rams game with a quad strain, could practice this week. — Safety and special teams ace George Odum, out with a torn biceps, will have his practice window open. — Cornerback Ambry Thomas, who had wrist surgery and missed the Rams game, will return to practice.

The 49ers (12 5) will face one of four teams in their playoff opener. Given that the Los Angeles Rams (10 7) are No. 6 coached by Sean McVay and Green Bay Packers (9 8) are No. 7 as coached by Matt LaFleur, Shanahan isn’t ruling out facing one of his former colleagues. Shanahan, McVay and LaFleur were all on the same staff with Washington under Mike Shanahan from 2010 13.

“Six and seven this year have just as good a chance as one through five,” Shanahan said. “There’s no difference to me in any of the seeds and teams. I believe every one of them has a real good chance.”.