Shanahan: Fun getting Jimmy G ready
Just over a month after arriving as the franchise quarterback of the future in San Francisco, Jimmy Garoppolo is set for his first start with the 49ers.
Garoppolo got three days of practice work with the starters this week. He has worked with coach Kyle Shanahan to put together a game plan he is comfortable with despite his limited knowledge of the offense for the game tomorrow against the Chicago Bears.
“It’s been fun,” Shanahan said of the process. “Each day as he’s gotten more reps, he gets a better understanding of things.”
Garoppolo will wear a wristband with the plays to help him make the calls and to give him a cheat sheet in case there are any issues with the coach to quarterback transmission.
He also has a full game plan to work with after being given limited plays the past few weeks when he served as C.J. Beathard’s backup.
“He got a hold of the playbook and he’s been learning since he’s been here. He looks fluid,” receiver Aldrick Robinson said. “We’re definitely excited. We’re excited for Jimmy, excited for the team, excited for the whole organization.”
Panthers DE suspended
Panthers starting defensive end Charles Johnson has been suspended without pay for the team’s next four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances . . . .
Oakland guard Gabe Jackson was fined $30,387 by the NFL for making contact with an official during the Raiders’ victory over the Broncos last weekend.
Broncos safety Darian Stewart was fined $24,309 for his hit on Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper, who suffered a concussion and will sit out tomorrow’s game against the Giants.
Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess was docked $24,309 for his helmet-to-helmet hit on New Orleans tight end Coby Fleener, who has a concussion and won’t play against Carolina.
Miami cornerback Bobby McCain was docked $9,115 after he was ejected in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ loss to Patriots for throwing a punch at wide receiver Danny Amendola.
Rodgers set to practice
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was placed on injured reserve after breaking his right collarbone Oct. 15 against Minnesota, is on track to practice today, coach Mike McCarthy said.
Rodgers had surgery on Oct. 19 and was placed on IR the following day. NFL rules allow teams to bring back two players off injured reserve. Those players must be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks; yesterday marked six weeks for Rodgers . . . .
The Arizona Cardinals signed defensive lineman Corey Peters to a three-year contract extension that could keep him with the team through 2020.
Injury hits Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without linebacker Telvin Smith (concussion) against Indianapolis, the first time the team has missed a defensive starter all season . . . .
Domata Peko’s 123-game starting streak, the longest by a defensive lineman in the NFL, will come to an end as the Broncos’ nose tackle has been ruled out of tomorrow’s game against Miami because of a sprained ligament in his left knee.
Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore is out with a foot injury.