In December, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported that the San Francisco 49ers were holding out hope that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo might return for the playoffs. The team has been rolling with rookie Brock Purdy as the starting quarterback, with Trey Lance and Garoppolo sidelined due to injuries.
Garoppolo is recovering from a broken foot, and reporters have noted that the quarterback doesn't look close to returning based on glimpses of Garoppolo around the facilities. However, the 49ers have not placed him on injured reserve, instead carrying him on the active roster and listing him as inactive each game.
Still, a return, should the 49ers make a very deep playoff run, remains a possibility. If it does happen, Garoppolo is unlikely to unseat Purdy, who finished the season strong.
"Jimmy Garoppolo is really attacking his rehab aggressively," Glazer said on the FOX pre-game show ahead of Saturday's 49ers-Seahawks playoff game. "He wants to be cleared in time to actually return later on this postseason. The 49ers, they're holding out hope that he can actually return [for the] NFC Championship Game, maybe the Super Bowl, if they make it that far.
"However, I want to put 49ers fans at ease right now. If he returns, it is to be a backup. To back up Brock Purdy, not to be the starter again. This is Brock Purdy's team moving forward."
Garoppolo is scheduled to become a free agent after the season and is expected to play elsewhere when the 2023 season kicks off.
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Former NFL player explains how 49ers could benefit from paying Brock Purdy $54M annually
By David Bonilla
Feb 25
The Athletic's Dianna Russini and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel discussed Brock Purdy on the Scoop City podcast, examining what his next contract might look like. The San Francisco 49ers are expected to extend their young quarterback, and many believe he will soon rank...
John Lynch: 49ers have started contract talks with Brock Purdy
By David Bonilla
Feb 26
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday and was quickly asked about contract negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy.
Purdy is eligible for his first contract extension after proving to be one...
John Lynch: No guarantees on Brock Purdy deal but 49ers aim for quick resolution
By David Bonilla
Feb 26
The San Francisco 49ers aren't waiting to see how other quarterback situations unfold around the league before negotiating a contract extension for Brock Purdy. General manager John Lynch confirmed Wednesday that discussions have already begun. While he emphasized the 49ers'...
49ers insider predicts Brock Purdy will receive $57.5M annually in new deal
By David Bonilla
Feb 20
The Athletic's Matt Barrows has weighed in on Brock Purdy's potential contract extension. Where will the San Francisco 49ers quarterback's deal rank among the league's highest-paid players?
Barrows doesn't expect Purdy to surpass the NFL's richest contract—currently held...
