Shanahan mum on who’ll start at QB
Kyle Shanahan won the game before the game.
The 49ers’ head coach finished his final media obligation of the week Friday without revealing whether quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo or rookie Trey Lance will start Sunday against the Rams.
“I’m really glad I have no press conferences after today,” Shanahan said. “Once I survive this, I’m done talking about it.”
Still, without Shanahan tipping his hand, the evidence suggests Garoppolo will return to the starting lineup after missing last Sunday’s win over the Texans because of a torn thumb ligament and fracture in his right thumb.
Garoppolo, who was doubtful to play against Houston, was listed as questionable to play against the Rams after he appeared to throw with his typical velocity during the portions of the three practices open to the media during the week. Garoppolo threw passes no longer than 15 yards when reporters were present, except for a throw of about 40 yards Thursday.
“He had a good week of practice when he was in there,” Shanahan said. “Feel good with where he’s at right now.”
Shanahan said Wednesday that Lance was likely to take most of the first-team snaps in that day’s practice, which was Garoppolo’s first since he was injured on Dec. 23. However, Lance indicated Friday that he didn’t receive most of the snaps with the starters throughout the week.
“It was good for me to still be able to get some reps,” Lance said. “And work through it with Jimmy: It was unique a little bit with us being able to talk through reps that we both get. I think Kyle did a great job for me personally just being able to prepare this week and still being able to get some reps not knowing, obviously, what’s going to happen with Jimmy on Sunday.”
Added Lance: “I know how tough Jimmy is. I know it hurts when he throws. I know he’ll do everything he can to play on Sunday. He’s a tough freakin’ dude.” Secondary update: The 49ers’ potentially shorthanded secondary at least should have cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and Ambry Thomas on Sunday.
Shanahan said he was optimistic that Moseley (ankle) would be activated from injured reserve Saturday and play for the first time since he was injured on Dec. 5. Meanwhile, the 49ers activated Thomas, who has started the past four games, from the reserve/COVID-19 list before Friday’s practice.
Free safety Jimmie Ward and cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and Deommodore Lenoir remain on the COVID list. Shanahan said all three players had a chance to be activated Saturday.
Williams questionable: Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams was listed as questionable after he was held out of practice during the week because of a sprained elbow.
Williams didn’t finish last Sunday’s win against the Texans, missing the 49ers’ final drive. Shanahan sounded slightly less optimistic about Williams’ availability after saying Wednesday that he expected Williams to play.
“He’s still rehabbing his elbow and trying to get ready for the game,” Shanahan said. “So, hopefully, he’ll be out there.”
In other injury news, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (calf ), safety Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) and linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), Dre Greenlaw (groin) and Marcell Harris (Achilles) are questionable.