SANTA CLARA (Calif.) — True to his word San Francisco 49ersKyle Shanahan, coach, declined to name a quarterback for Sunday’s win-and in regular-season finale against. Los Angeles Rams.
The past three-days have been filled with a variety of comments by Shanahan and the 49ers. Friday’s injury report made this clear at least. Jimmy GaroppoloHe does have a chance of returning from the right thumb injury which kept him out of Week 17.
Officially Garoppolo has been listed as questionable in the injury report for his limited participation in all three practices. Still, he split reps alongside rookie Trey LanceHe was against the Houston TexansIn his place last week.
Shanahan’s silence is not a sign of indecision. Shanahan has a plan. He just isn’t ready to share it. Sunday’s 9-7 Niners entry requires a win, tie, or a draw. New Orleans SaintsYou can qualify for the playoffs if you lose or tie.
Shanahan stated Wednesday that he would not decide Sunday morning whether he named a starter. “We don’t have any practice left. I know exactly where Jimmy is right now. I know where Trey is. I know the location of our team. I’m quite happy with where we are at. I am excited to see Sunday.
“I’m so glad I don’t have any press conferences tomorrow, because once I make it through this, then I can stop talking about it. We’ll be great after that, but I don’t think you guys know why you don’t make it public. Trey was out last week so we have two guys who are experienced and that our team can trust. We’ll just have to see how this turns out.
Shanahan was similarly coy last Wednesday, but there was no doubt Lance would start against Houston. Garoppolo wasn’t practicing during the week and Shanahan repeatedly suggested that Garoppolo could benefit from the extra time to play against the Rams.
There is a little more doubt this week, but there are many signs Garoppolo will be able to reclaim his starting position against the Niners, a team Garoppolo has beaten five times.
It’s a team sport. George KittleReceiver Deebo SamuelGaroppolo said that Garoppolo was throwing the baseball well in practice. But, Garoppolo acknowledged Wednesday his belief that throwing is more about pain management and not his ability to throw.
Samuel stated, “Jimmy just seems like Jimmy to me.” “Same confidence. Same throws. The same ball. The same energy. He didn’t seem to take a step back. His thumb doesn’t hurt and he’s doing a great job this week.
Shanahan wasn’t specific but stated that Garoppolo had “a great week of practice when was in there, and I feel good about where he is right now.” Shanahan stated earlier in the week that Garoppolo wouldn’t need to be 100% to play for the Rams.
Lance claims that Garoppolo and he split reps with the starters in team drills. Garoppolo is seen wearing a sleeve that covers his right hand and thumb, with tape on top to keep it stable.
There are still concerns about Garoppolo’s ability to hold up over the course a full game. This is especially true when it comes down to taking snaps under center or any possible hits the thumb might take.
Mike McDaniel, offensive coordinator, stated that this is something we have to be aware of and that we have tried to not do too much. “Whether or not McDaniel can handle the ball is one of the main motivators in deciding on Sunday.”
Lance said that he has enjoyed a second week with the starters and it was helpful. Last week, he was 16-of-23 and rushed for 249 yards with two touchdowns. He also intercepted a pass for an 116.0 passer rating.
Lance admitted that there were both good and poor moments in the video, but that he learned so much from each one. This seems to have paid off in practice, Shanahan stating that Lance was “a little better” this week than the previous.
The Niners and Lance now have a little more faith in Lance to play, and could even use Lance as a situational player like they did in the first weeks of the season.
Lance stated that Jimmy is currently back in rehab so it was important for him to be able to continue to work with me. “But, at the same moment, working through it together with Jimmy was unique in that our ability to talk through reps we both get was unique.” Kyle did a fantastic job in preparing me and allowing me to still get reps, even though I don’t know what will happen with Jimmy Sunday.