All signs point to QB Nick Mullens starting for 49ers vs. Giants
Jimmy Garoppolo’s high ankle sprain wasn’t bad enough to immediately rule him out of any games. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday though indicated the team’s starting signal caller likely wouldn’t play Week 3 vs. the New York Giants, and said backup quarterback Nick Mullens will be ready to step in.
“Yeah, I’ll be surprised if Jimmy gets back later in the week,” Shanahan told reporters on a video conference before Wednesday’s practice. “I know he’s still pulling to do it, but yeah, Nick’s ready to go. If something happens to Nick, C.J. (Beathard) will be ready to go. Nick’s got a lot of playing time with us in 2018. Prepared him for moments like this. Always does a good job in practice and I’m excited to see him get his opportunity.”
Garoppolo’s desire to play probably won’t have much impact on whether he suits up Sunday. Brandon Aiyuk and Ben Garland both wanted to play Week 1 and were held out. George Kittle was pushing to play in Week 2 and wound up staying home.
It’s unclear the exact calculus playing into the ultimate decision. Shanahan said Garoppolo’s high ankle sprain wasn’t severe, but there are concerns about the turf at MetLife Stadium after a rash of injuries and complaints from players throughout the game. The 49ers are also sitting at 1-1 and facing a Giants team that’s been punchless through two weeks and now won’t have top running back Saquon Barkley who’s out with a torn ACL.
Given Mullens’ track record of being a capable spot starter, it tracks with the 49ers’ typical handling of injuries that they’d hold Garoppolo out for at least one game – especially if they’re confident it’s one they can win with Mullens under center.
