Jimmy Garoppolo was out on the practice field for the third time this week (the San Francisco 49ers held a bonus practice on Monday). We won't know exactly how much the starting quarterback worked during today's session until the team issues its practice participation report later this afternoon. Reporters aren't allowed to watch the entire practice, which means missing out on team drills. The Niners listed Garoppolo as limited on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he is "pretty optimistic" Garoppolo would be available for Sunday's home game against the Indianapolis Colts. However, he was less sure about the status of his rookie quarterback and Garoppolo's backup, Trey Lance.
"He might have a chance at the end of the week, but I'd be surprised if he's not ready to go until next week," Shanahan said of Lance.
Lance has not practiced this week and was not on the practice field with his teammates at the start of today's session.
#49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) is involved again as practice opens. Still trending toward a return Sunday night against Colts.
No sign of Trey Lance, at least not yet.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 21, 2021
Garoppolo is returning from a calf injury that forced him to miss Week 5's contest against the Arizona Cardinals. Lance started in his place for that game but emerged with a knee sprain.
It's worth noting that reporters didn't see left tackle Trent Williams on the practice field for the second consecutive day. He is dealing with elbow and ankle injuries. That would be a significant loss for the 49ers if they were forced to enter Sunday's game without their best offensive lineman.
#49ers LT Trent Williams (elbow, ankle) is again not participating in early portion of practice open to media.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 21, 2021
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw also missed his second consecutive practice as he deals with the knee injury that has limited him all season.
This weekend against the Colts, San Francisco looks to snap a three-game losing streak that has dropped the team to 2-3 on the season.
