NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that it would be a "major surprise" if the San Francisco 49ers didn't keep Nick Mullens as the starting quarterback. Of course, nothing is official until head coach Kyle Shanahan makes the decision. Maybe he already has but he didn't want to announce anything while speaking to reporters on Friday.
"The players got four days off," Shanahan said. "I don't need to decide yet, so I'm taking my time with it. Also, I wouldn't want to do that with all the guys out of the building. I'd like the whole team in here, too, when I decide that."
The players return on Tuesday, so a decision is likely to be announced by then. The 49ers are scheduled to play the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium on Monday, November 12.
Mullens had an impressive NFL debut on Thursday night against the Oakland Raiders. He completed 16-of-22 pass attempts for 262 yards with three touchdowns and a passer rating of 151.9.
Mullens started because right wrist and thumb injuries to C.J. Beathard kept him from practicing during the abbreviated week of preparation.