They will need to get healthy first.
Garoppolo is expected to be medically cleared for training camp, and head coach Kyle Shanahan expects him to start throwing and doing some non-contact 7-on-7 work during organized team activities, which kick off in late-May.
McKinnon is a different story. Being a running back means more potential risk, even in practice. During non-contact drills, McKinnon will still have to make on-field cuts and simulate avoiding defenders.
The 49ers plan to be cautious with both Garoppolo and McKinnon. Shanahan joined the latest Adam Schefter podcast and was asked about his recovering players.
"We're going to be extremely patient with them, extremely patient with Jet," Shanahan responded. "The same with Jimmy. I know Jet's going to help us out a lot this year. We were definitely counting on him last year, and it was unfortunate, but I'm happy for him he's coming back."
Each will likely get some work in training camp but is Shanahan willing to play them during preseason?
"If their bodies can, I think that's a good thing for them," Shanahan answered. "They want to test it out. I feel like that's more of a mental thing. If your body can take it and the doctors say it, and they feel confident with it, I think it's good to go out in a real-game situation and get that confidence because we're not going to let someone tackle [Garoppolo] in practice.
"A lot of times, guys want to go out and get tackled just so they can get that mental breakthrough so when they go into Week 1, they're not thinking about it."
You can listen to the entire interview with Shanahan below. The conversation starts at about the 20-minute mark.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers WR Mike Evans is 'getting real close' to returning, says Kyle Shanahan
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has missed the last two games while dealing with Achilles tendinitis, and his return timeline remains uncertain. Evans has not practiced this week, making it increasingly unlikely that he will be available for Sunday's matchup... -
49ers' Mike Evans unlikely to play vs. Raiders, says John Lynch
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday morning. He wasn't quite ready to rule out wide receiver Mike Evans playing Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it sounds unlikely. Evans has been dealing with Achilles... -
What Kyle Shanahan and others said after 49ers' 38-17 win vs. Raiders
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and players spoke with reporters after Sunday's 38-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Here's what they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Opening... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals what Keenan Allen brings to the 49ers after trade
The San Francisco 49ers made a move just hours before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts. The trade addresses a significant need for the 49ers, whose wide receiver depth has been depleted by injuries. Key...