NFL Rumors: Garoppolo Won’t Need Surgery But Future With 49ers Unclear

Jimmy Garoppolo got a bit of good news recently, with word that the 29-year-old quarterback won’t need surgery for his injured ankle. He will only need four to six weeks of rest, hinting that there is a chance he could return for the San Francisco 49ers this NFL season.

While that would be welcome news to Garoppolo, some are now wondering if it would matter. The 49ers are 4-5 this season and are in last place in the NFC West standings. Unless they come up with something big, the 49ers are most likely going to miss the NFL playoffs.

Garoppolo was placed on the injured reserve Thursday, the same day the Niners lost to the Packers, 34-17, at Levi’s Stadium. The 29-year-old player suffered the injury when San Francisco lost to Seattle in Week 8.

“Good news from doctors is that none of them are recommending surgery right now,” coach Kyle Shanahan said in a conference call with local reporters Friday, NBC Sports reported. “So we are not going do anything for this four-to-six weeks. Rest it, and then we will re-evaluate and hopefully, it heals up the way the doctors are anticipating and he will be good to go then, and not need surgery.”

With Garoppolo out, Shanahan is now forced to find other quarterbacks to fill the void. Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard have been tasked with doing so.

Mullens is set to make his second start for San Francisco against the New Orleans Saints, hoping to come out with a better performance. He completed 22-of-35 passes for 291 yards with one touchdown, one interception and one lost fumble against the Packers.

“As I’ve always said, I feel good with Nick and C.J. I’m not going to bounce them back and forth. Nick wasn’t the reason that happened last night and why he’ll get the first opportunity against New Orleans,” Shanahan stated.

Whether he can return or not, it will be interesting to see what the Niners plan to do with Garoppolo. His frequent injuries have been well-documented and some feel his tenure is on shallow water.

Garoppolo is set to make more than $25 million in bonuses and salary in the next two seasons. But as pointed out by NBC Sports Bay Area 49ers Insider Matt Maiocco, Garoppolo never really made big strides in his game, hinting that it may be in the best interest of Shanahan and the Niners to explore other options.