Kyle Shanahan: ‘Way outside chance’ 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo returns this season
The San Francisco 49ers moved a step closer to the playoff Week 13 action by topping the Miami Dolphins, but it came at a significant cost.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a broken ankle that has effectively ended his 2022 campaign or so it was thought. Head coach Kyle Shanahan left the door open to the chance that Garoppolo could possibly return in the playoffs due to his foot not needing surgery.
“It will be a big recovery but much less than what we anticipated, which is awesome news for him in the offseason,” Shanahan said via ESPN. “He’ll be good to go right away, so it won’t be like last year. There’s a way outside chance late in the playoffs or something like that, but it’s just an outside chance. We’re not real optimistic about that, but they didn’t rule it out.”
Although Shanahan is voicing some optimism, it comes with much reality that there is a strong chance that Garoppolo won’t make it back. There is no question that the veteran quarterback will do what he can to get back on the field, but things need to line up in an ideal fashion for this scenario to come to fruition.
Want $250 to bet on the NFL?
The 49ers will have to move forward with Brock Purdy as the starter. Purdy performed well in relief of Garoppolo last week, completing 25 of 37 passes for 210 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
If San Francisco hopes to make a deep playoff push, Purdy will need to be a huge factor.
