San Francisco 49ers news has not necessarily been of the positive variety since they blew up a double-digit fourth quarter lead in the Super Bowl. That includes the uncertain future of Jimmy Garoppolo under center and a 2020 season that can’t end soon enough.
Garoppolo has been out since suffering a sprained ankle back in Week 8. While he was eligible to return off injured reserve several weeks back, it’s highly unlikely the embattled quarterback will return for the 49ers’ final two games as the team plays out the string without any hopes of making the playoffs. The backdrop here is Garoppolo’s uncertain future with the 49ers.
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49ers news: Jimmy Garoppolo unlikely to play again this season, as QB faces uncertain future
“While no one has completely ruled out him playing in 2020, there is still an injury risk for Garoppolo to go out on the field and play on the ankle that is still healing. Perhaps if San Francisco still had a chance at the playoffs in Week 17, Garoppolo would have a shot. Otherwise, it’s hard to imagine,” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. “If there is nothing to play for, considering the offseason of uncertainty that faces Garoppolo, him staying healthy benefits all parties.”
As of right now, the 49ers have about an 8% chance of making the playoffs. Risking further injury to Jimmy Garoppolo, who also suffered a separate high-ankle sprain back in Week 2, makes no real sense.
There’s been 49ers rumors suggesting that the team might very well move on from Garoppolo this coming offseason. The team can save nearly $24 million against the cap by releasing or trading him.
Despite leading San Francisco to a surprise Super Bowl appearance last season, the quarterback has failed to take that next step to elite status. Prior to going down to injury this season, Garoppolo threw just seven touchdowns compared to five interceptions in six starts.
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The 49ers are going to have other options this offseason as they attempt to get back into contention following an injury-plagued 2019 campaign. The likes of Carson Wentz and Matthew Stafford could be options on the trade block. Perhaps, Dak Prescott is an option should he actually hit free agency.
Throwing Garoppolo out there over the final two games of the season with nothing to play for. If here were to get injured, any potential trade would be off the table. Meanwhile, said injury could also complicate things when it comes to the 49ers potentially releasing him.
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