On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to undergo surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his right thumb after the season. On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the validity of that report.
"I've been made aware that the surgery is a possibility," Shanahan told reporters on a conference call. "But, as of right now, he would not need it."
Shanahan is still hopeful that Garoppolo can return to practice this week and possibly start in the 49ers' regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Rapoport stated that the injury hinders Garoppolo's grip on the football, indicating that the quarterback probably isn't going to be as effective until after undergoing surgery.
"Throwing can be painful and difficult," the NFL insider wrote.
Pain management might be a significant factor in whether or not Garoppolo can play on Sunday, but it isn't everything.
"I think pain is a huge deal, but I think Jimmy will be alright with that when the time comes, to have to go through it," Shanahan said. "The more days you can take off, the more you give it a chance to stay healthy, and kind of relatch, and not to make it worse. That's the fine line of knowing how far you can get with it, and at the same time, also trying to give it just a little extra time to get a little stickier."
The 49ers might find themselves in a must-win situation this weekend. A win guarantees them a playoff berth. A loss would mean San Francisco would require a New Orleans Saints loss to the Atlanta Falcons to make it.
"We just finished all the film work [from 49ers-Texans] and stuff with the guys," Shanahan added. "We're putting together a game plan for both [Garoppolo and Lance], and hopefully, he'll be able to practice on Wednesday."
