Regardless of ‘big loss,’ Garoppolo-less 49ers pleased with present group

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — After the San Francisco 49ers once more misplaced quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending damage Sunday, they spent the following 24 hours sifting by means of each the short- and long-term implications of his loss.

On Monday afternoon, that meant doing every little thing from figuring out whether or not to pursue launched signal-caller Baker Mayfield on the waiver wire to assessing how Garoppolo’s loss impacts their Tremendous Bowl aspirations.

Mayfield’s launch Monday from the Carolina Panthers was the subject du jour for a lot of 49ers observers as its timing got here on the heels of Garoppolo’s damaged left foot. For the Niners to accumulate Mayfield, he must both fall to their spot within the waiver wire (at the moment No. 24) or clear waivers and be free to barter a cope with San Francisco.

However when coach Kyle Shanahan was requested about Mayfield on Monday, he indicated the QB in all probability would not be within the Niners’ future, at the least not proper now.

“We glance into every little thing however that will shock me proper now,” Shanahan stated. “We have got to debate extra this afternoon and stuff. I’ve all the time been a fan of his, however I really feel actually good about our gamers. We’ll look into every little thing, however I really feel fairly good with the place we’re at proper now.”

With rookie Brock Purdy taking the reins because the starter, the Niners moved shortly to get a veteran backup, agreeing to phrases with veteran Josh Johnson on Sunday evening. Johnson has been with the Niners earlier than, most lately in 2020, and that have and information of San Francisco’s offense made a reunion interesting.

“Simply having him right here in 2020 for that final month of the 12 months, we received to see numerous him simply as a participant, which we appreciated the participant however extra importantly we actually appreciated the man,” Shanahan stated. “We really feel lucky to get him again right here.”

As for different potential exterior quarterback choices, Shanahan stated the group has not heard from any retired veterans who may be trying to be part of a contender just like the 8-4 Niners.

“Nonetheless ready on Joe (Montana) to name,” Shanahan stated jokingly. “I am undoubtedly prepared for Steve (Younger). I believe he might nonetheless run it, so let’s do it.”

As for Garoppolo, he and the Niners are nonetheless awaiting phrase on the extent of his damaged left foot earlier than figuring out a timetable on how lengthy he’ll be out and placing collectively a rehabilitation plan. Shanahan acknowledged preliminary fears of a Lisfranc (midfoot) damage may be alleviated however emphasised that there hasn’t been an official prognosis but.

“That is why they’re nonetheless making an attempt to work by means of it,” Shanahan stated. “They have been speaking about that so much final evening however it looks as if they’re beginning to consider that it is not. So, that is excellent news. Nevertheless it’s not all for positive finished but. Some specialists have gotten to finalize it, so we do not wish to provide you with guys any false data however they’re discussing all these issues.”

Within the meantime, Garoppolo joined his teammates for conferences on Monday after spending Sunday evening at residence together with his household. Shanahan stated he spoke to Garoppolo on Sunday evening however it was good to have him across the group so all people might give him a hug and want him effectively. All issues thought-about, Shanahan stated Garoppolo was in “good spirits” and was upbeat about making a full restoration from the damage.

Subsequent, the Niners will flip the web page to making ready Purdy to play towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Shanahan and the 49ers have been happy with how Purdy performed within the 33-17 win towards the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and although their Tremendous Bowl aspirations appeared to take a success with the Garoppolo damage, Shanahan stated his group believes all issues stay doable.

“I simply assume we have a extremely good group who has labored our butts off to get on this place the place we’re at now,” Shanahan stated. “We have got much more soccer left and I do know it is an actual large loss beginning with Trey (Lance) after which the large lack of dropping Jimmy final evening. That could be a large deal, however I do additionally consider our group is constructed for this.”