Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo entered a football game for the first time since the 2016 season. Back then, it was as a member of the New England Patriots. This time, it was with the San Francisco 49ers.
"It was nice he got a touchdown," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters following the 49ers' 24-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. "We got an off-schedule play, ran around, and made a good throw to [wide receiver Louis Murphy], and it's nice to get in the end zone."
Garoppolo entered the game with the outcome already decided. An injury late in the fourth quarter forced rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard to exit. His leg was hit by Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett. Shanahan said Beathard would get X-rays on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, which he mentioned might be a bruise.
"They said it was his lower leg," Shanahan said. "I think he got hit with the helmet or the shoulder pad but not exactly sure yet. Being optimistic it's just a bruise, though."
Garoppolo finished the game completing both of his passes for 18 yards and a touchdown in the closing seconds of the game. You can watch Garoppolo's touchdown pass below.
Here it is! Jimmy G's first TD pass with the #49ers. #SEAvsSF pic.twitter.com/LbTMI15zkT
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 27, 2017
Shanahan was asked if the offensive line's inability to protect the quarterback in recent games factors into his decision on a starter.
"I want to give a guy a chance to be successful, and we've got to do a better job of protecting him," Shanahan said. "I thought we did that versus New York. We were able to be in a game where we were able to be more balanced. Tried very hard to keep this game like this but late in the second half, it got a little bit out of hand. But it was similar to that in the first half, too.
"It's a tough position to be in, and you don't want anyone to get hurt. Jimmy will have another week, and we'll watch this tape tomorrow, work with him Monday and Tuesday, and we'll see what happens in practice for Wednesday."
Shanahan went on to say that he never considered putting Garoppolo into the game before Beathard's injury.
