Everyone asking about Garoppolo
Even if Kyle Shanahan was the type to leave his work at the office, he’s been unable to avoid discussion of his 9-to-5 job when he’s been at home recently.
That’s because his wife, Mandy, is like the beat writers covering the team. She’s been hounding her husband with what’s become the most compelling question in an 0-9 season: When will Jimmy Garoppolo make his first start?
“I know everyone is very excited and wants to see him play,” Shanahan said. “Including myself. Including our coaches and players. Including my wife. I get that. I’m very well
aware of that.”
The bad news for Mandy, and others eager to see the presumptive franchise quarterback take his first snap with the 49ers: Shanahan said he expects rookie C.J. Beathard to start Sunday against the Giants with Garoppolo serving as the backup for the second straight week.
Shanahan said Garoppolo has made significant progress absorbing the playbook. Last week, the 49ers considered promoting Nick Mullens from the practice squad, but by Friday night Shanahan felt Garoppolo had learned enough to serve as the backup.
If Beathard had been sidelined in the 20-10 loss to the Cardinals, Shanahan had a specific package that included about 25 runs and 20 passes for Garoppolo, who would have had the plays on a wristband.
Garoppolo, who was acquired in a trade with the Patriots on Oct. 30, suggested he could make more playbook progress this week. Last week, the new employee had other obligations that distracted from his primary duties.
“A week ago today I was still signing logistical papers, medical papers, all that stuff,” said Garoppolo, who is living at a Santa Clara hotel. “Now it’s just pure football. Got a car rental and everything. So, yeah, we’re (headed) in the right direction.”
On Wednesday, Shanahan hit on familiar themes. He noted the 49ers’ winless record meant they didn’t have to rush Garoppolo onto the field and alluded to his team’s rash of injuries, which has left Beathard with a skimpy supporting cast. In terms of Garoppolo, the most notable injury is to that of Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley (eye), who returned to practice Wednesday in a limited role and hasn’t been ruled out of Sunday’s game.
Shanahan said he hopes Garoppolo starts “sooner than later.”
“I am very eager and excited to see him out there,” Shanahan said. “That doesn’t mean that’s the right decision. That’s what I’m trying to balance out. If I just went off impulse and feeling, I would have done that the very first day. The very first second.
“But I’m trying to do what’s right for Jimmy and what’s right for our team. A lot of things go into that. It’s not just something I can set a date on or plan. It’s something I have to evaluate.”
The 49ers have a bye next week, making it reasonable to expect Shanahan will start Garoppolo on Nov. 26 against the Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. However, Shanahan hasn’t officially ruled out the possibility of Garoppolo starting Sunday, saying he will “consider everything.”
So how does Mandy Shanahan feel about her husband’s plan? Shanahan joked that he’d been able to “simmer her down.”
“I’m trying to explain myself to you guys — trying to explain myself to her, too,” Shanahan said. “She understands more now than she did the first day. I’m just chipping away at it.”
For his part, Garoppolo was pleased to learn the head coach’s wife was a fan.
“I haven’t had a chance to meet her yet,” he said. “It’s always a good thing to hear.”