Garoppolo’s injury shows flaw with officials’ facemasks

Jimmy Garoppolo’s high-ankle sprain Sunday is worth revisiting, not to actually analyze his health, but rather the NFL’s safety measures regarding officials’ face coverings.

If officials cannot promptly stop plays because masks interfere with their whistles, then, well, what’s an injured player to do?

“There have been no issues. Officials have the option of push-button whistles or using their whistle under the face coverings,” a NFL spokesman responded via email Thursday.

Garoppolo was brought down to a knee by Quinnen Williams’ illegal, low swipe at his ankle, on the 49ers’ second series of their eventual win over the New York Jets. That is just the start of the 49ers’ issues with that play.

As referee Ron Torbert rushed in from 10 yards behind to call the play dead, video replays show Torbert struggling to blow his whistle, through his mask.

Before Torbert could unhitch his mask with his other hand to whistle and signal for Garoppolo’s safety, Jets defender Tarrell Basham piled onto the 49ers’ prone quarterback. No penalties were called.

“They didn’t call that [illegal hit by Williams] and then they couldn’t blow the whistle because his mask was on,” coach Kyle Shanahan said after Sunday’s 31-13 win. “He couldn’t get the mask off in time, so while Jimmy’s laying there and they can’t blow a whistle because the mask was on, a guy came and hit him again.’’

ELSEWHERE

Denver added quarterback Blake Bortles to their roster and the seventh-year veteran joined them at practice. With Drew Lock (shoulder) sidelined, Jeff Driskel will start Sunday against Tampa Bay.