Jimmy Garoppolo returns to practice
49ers’ QB, RBMostert cleared for first time since Sept. 20 injuries
Jimmy Garoppolo took the field for practice for the first time as he works his way back from an injury.
SANTACLARA » JimmyGaroppolo took the field for 49 er sp ra ct ice Wednesday for the first time in more than two weeks as he works his way back from an ankle injury.
Practicing Wednesday marks an encouraging sign that Garoppolo could start Sunday when the 49ers (2-2) host the Miami Dolphins (1-3).
“We’re going to throw him in there and that will give me a little more of an opinion,” coach Kyle Shanahan said before practice.
A right-ankle injury has sidelined Garoppolo the past 2½ games, after
he gutted through the injury then got pulled at halftime of a Sept. 20 win at the New York Jets.
If Garoppolo is not cleared for Sunday’s return, Shanahan said he’s already decided on who he’d start but declined to disclose the name. Either Nick Mullens would get a third straight start or C. J. Beathard would get a chance to improve on his 1-9 record from 2017-18.
Shanahan was so dismayed by
Mullens’ play in Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that Mullens got benched in favor of Beathard for their final two, last-gasp drives. Mullens impressed in relief against the Jets and an ensuing win over the New York Giants, but he had three turnovers Sunday — the final two of which led to Eagles’ touchdowns in their comeback win.
Garoppolo, albeit with only 49 pass attempts his first 1½ games, produced four touchdowns andno interceptions. The only NFL other starters without an interception on their record: Derek Carr ( Raiders), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) and Aaron Rodgers (Packers).
Garoppolo is no stranger to Dolphins coach Brian Flores, a New England Patriots defensive assistant in Garoppolo’s first years in the NFL (2014-17).
“My time with him was very good,” Flores said on a callwith Bay Area reporters. “You could see the talent early. You could see the leadership early. And he’s just a great kid. I’m really happy for him and the success he’s had.
“... He was very talented. Hewouldmake throws that
make you turn back and say, ‘ Wow that was a good one.’”
Rather than fret over which 49ers quarterback starts, Flores said “you always” prepare for the system, and he noted that Shanahan’s involves “gadgets” andmultiplemisdirections.
Shanahan has said Garoppolo must show he’s capable of protecting himself, and that could be a compelling issue if the offensive line protects as unreliably as last Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.
SAMUEL ON ‘ YAC BROS’ » Deebo Samuel’s 34 snaps were a third of the offensive plays, and he had no
complaints about his limiteduse inhis seasondebut. He had three catches for 35 yards and a 10-yard run.
Samuel embraced the addition of rookie Brandon Aiyuk, from not only his high hurdle on a 38yard touchdown run but an ability to gain yards after the catch. “Good to say he’s part of the ‘ YACBros’now,” Samuel said of a club that also includes George Kittle. “Great to have another guy who can break tackles and go score.”
HEALTH UPDATES » Running back Raheem Mostert (knee) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps) practiced in limited fash
ion for the first time since the Jets game. Also limited Wednesday: wide receivers Dante Pettis (knee) and Trent Taylor (ankle).
Missing from the 49ers’ secondary in practice include safety Jimmie Ward (wrist) and cornerbackDontae Johnson (groin), Emmanuel Moseley (concussion) and K’Waun Williams (knee; going on short-term injured reserve). Richard Sherman (calf) continues to be held out of practice and likely will not come off injured reserve until next week.
Defensive end Ziggy Ansah ( biceps) will go on injured reserve.