C.J. Beathard made a late exit out of a Week 12 game last year against the Seattle Seahawks after sustaining a knee contusion and hip strain. He was replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo and did not make another start last season. Although, Beathard's weeks were likely numbered after the 49ers added Garoppolo to the roster.
Injury may have cost Beathard the starting job again. Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed Nick Mullens that he will start on Monday, November 12 against the New York Giants, the quarterback told reporters following Tuesday's practice.
"We discussed it, and obviously the situation is what it is," Mullens told reporters in the locker room. "The team is ready to get to work and treat it like any other week. My preparation doesn't change. This team's preparation doesn't change. We're excited to keep things going."
Beathard was dealing with right wrist and thumb injuries leading to last Thursday night's game against the Oakland Raiders. He couldn't even grip a football two days before kickoff.
If it had been any other week, Beathard would have likely had enough time to heal and prepare to play. Instead, the 49ers decided that Nick Mullens was the best (and healthiest) quarterback for the job and he received the start.
And what an NFL debut it was.
Mullens was impressive while completing 16 of his 22 pass attempts for 262 yards with three touchdowns and a passer rating of 151.9.
Beathard, who was healthy enough to be active for the game, watched from the sidelines — as Mullens' backup. The three fewer days to prepare presented Mullens with an opportunity and the second-year quarterback took advantage of it.
Mullens took the first warmup reps among the 49ers' three quarterbacks during Tuesday's practice, which was a good indication that he would make his second consecutive start. Beathard and Tom Savage took the reps following Mullens.
The 49ers signed Mullens last year as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Miss. He patiently spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad waiting for an opportunity to get on the field for a regular-season game.
"I think I'm here for a reason and this was my opportunity to prove that I can play," Mullens said after last Thursday night's game.
Mullens engineered a six-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Pierre Garçon on the team's opening drive on the way to the team's second win of the season.
"I grew up watching the Niners, even from Alabama," Mullens said. "It's an incredible honor. I knew it was a big game for the people around this area, and I'm glad I can represent the Niners the right way. Glad we got a win, for sure."
Beathard started five games this season for San Francisco after five starts last year. He completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 1,252 yards with eight touchdowns passes, a rushing touchdown, and seven interceptions.
The 49ers made Beathard a third-round draft pick out of Iowa in 2017.