NFL Rumors: Shanahan Keeping Options Open, May Pull Plug On Garoppolo

The San Francisco 49ers will need to decide soon on what to do with injury-plagued quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

The 29-year-old is on the sidelines once more after re-injuring his ankle. It is the latest from the spate of injuries that have been hounding him the past NFL seasons.

With that in mind, questions are in the air as to how long Garoppolo can remain the Niners starting quarterback.

Though coach Kyle Shanahan has kept the faith in the two-time Super Bowl champion, his ability to stay healthy may force his hand to consider replacing Garoppolo moving forward.

"You can't say anything with certainty," Shanahan told reporters according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "You don't sit here and make promises on anything. When you build a football team, it's your job to put the best team together year in and year out."

Likely forecasting that Garoppolo will be ready and back in harness next season, the 41-year-old coach defended his player and said that he will be their quarterback next year.

However, there is the $137.5 million salary that is due to him that most are questioning.

"Jimmy is like one of the middle quarterbacks in the league right now in terms of salary. That's just how much they cost. So it's not like it's something ridiculous or anything like that, so we can work all that out," Shanahan stated.

"And, not to mention, look at Jimmy's record when he's been here. Jimmy you can win with. He's proven that. He's proven he's a starting quarterback in this league."

Most feel that Shanahan is trying to avoid questions surrounding Garoppolo’s future with the 49ers. That may all depend on who is available in the market by next season.

San Francisco admitted that they considered Tom Brady before the 2020-21 NFL seasons started. Though it did not materialize, it remains that the 49ers are keeping their options open.

For now, Shanahan will not be drawn into anything, including shedding more light on what the future holds for Garoppolo.

Though he did help San Francisco reach the Super Bowl, the patience of the 49ers will be put to the test. Based on his recent take, it appears anything can happen especially if he continues to struggle through injuries.