SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Over five years — through injuries, trade attempts and more — the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo They always found a way to get back at each other.
But as San Francisco heads into another season filled with quarterback uncertainty, coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear Wednesday that Garoppolo and the Niners will eventually go their separate ways.
Garoppolo in 2012 Shanahan didn’t mince his words when asked if there was a possibility he could see himself returning to San Francisco in 2023.
“No, I don’t see any chance of that,” Shanahan said.
Unlike last year, when Garoppolo was still under contract and the Niners tried to trade him, they have no agency this time around. Garoppolo is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and the 49ers cannot use a tag to secure his rights.
Shanahan and the Niners will therefore move forward Brooke Purdy And Trey Lance As for the two quarterbacks under contract, Shanahan said Wednesday that he will be satisfied next season.
Purdy’s first order of business was to take care of the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Purdy underwent further imaging on his elbow Tuesday afternoon, and although no decision has been made yet on whether he will have reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) or repair (InternalBrace procedure), general manager John Lynch indicated that things are progressing. The latter.
The repair would be good news because it means a shorter recovery for Purdy, which could see him back on the field in late July or early August when training camp starts.
“The positive news analysis seems consistent that the actual approach is taking that six-month point,” Lynch said. “Now everybody tells you that you don’t know until you’re in there. Every surgeon tells you that with every operation. You always like to go in to see exactly… They’re still working on this process, but it looks like we’re encouraged by the prognosis of where it’s going to be.”
If Purdy opts for a surgical repair supplemented with an InternalBrace to strengthen the ligament as it heals, Clarisian will be able to begin his full recovery at the six-month mark, three months after the procedure.
“That was the best thing I’ve ever heard,” Shanahan said. “After three months, they start the restoration, slowly rebuild the arm, and in six months it will be full again.”
Lance said Tuesday that his surgically repaired right ankle will require him to be out of a walking boot in time for practice in May.
Shanahan said Wednesday that that schedule is possible, though Lance won’t be able to do that much during parts of the regular season before OTAs begin.
“It looks like it’s pretty close around Level 1, Level 2,” Shanahan said. “We’re going to go into drills and things like that to ease him in and hopefully in OTAs he’ll be able to go.”
Shanahan said Wednesday that he hasn’t given much thought to how the quarterback situation will shake out, noting that there isn’t much to discuss right now, saying that only Lance will be available for any on-field work before training camp.
Shanahan admits the Niners need to add another quarterback somehow, but I don’t hear him and the 49ers going big-name hunting at the position.
“I know we have two starters on our team and I believe we can win,” Shanahan said.
Among the other takeaways from Shanahan and Lynch at Wednesday’s season-ending news conference:
• Despite many rumors that he might leave for television or another career, Lynch said he intends to stay in his role in San Francisco.
“I plan to be here,” Lynch said. “Of course I will.” I’m determined to do it and I’m having a good time doing it and I’m determined to find a way to get a little better.”
• When there is no connection Trent Williams34, said Tuesday, he is definitely not closing the door on retirement this offseason.
Shanahan, however, believes that is the result of Williams’ fatigue at the end of a long season, rather than a realistic possibility.
“I didn’t read the words because it was a big deal for him,” Shanahan said. “I know Trent loves football. I know it’s tough at his age, but in any case, to do what you do for a long time and to be close in a short time. But I’d be surprised if Trent retired in a few weeks.”
• On the recent contract extension for the end of defense Nick BosaLynch pointed out that he plays like a linebacker Fred WarnerReceiver Debo Samuel and tight end George KittleThat means a contract may not be finalized until closer to the start of training camp.
“I think we have a really good history,” Lynch said. “You look at the last five years … to finish our players. But it’s going to take time, it’s going to take patience, it’s going to take persistence, and we’re going to do that on our side.”