You may have seen the last of Jimmy Garoppolo in a 49ers uniform (again).
Following the end of the 2021 season, the 49ers and Garoppolo were at an impasse regarding the quarterback’s future with the team. While he wound up on the San Francisco bench once again to start this season, his latest injury may cast doubt over whether or not he’s played his last game with the franchise.
A broken foot suffered in Week 13 against the Dolphins means Garoppolo will be on the shelf the remainder of the regular season, and while he hasn’t been ruled out for the playoffs, the injury casts doubt over the quarterback’s future in San Francisco.
That’s not a great thing for Garoppolo, who was enjoying a moderate amount of success in one of his best seasons as 49ers quarterback. He threw 2,437 yards on 67 percent passing with 16 touchdowns to 4 interceptions across 11 games this year.
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Garoppolo replaced 2021 first-round pick Trey Lance, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Week 1. In stepped the 31-year-old veteran, who helped guide the 49ers to a 7-3 record.
Here’s the latest on Garoppolo’s injury and his recovery timeline.
How long is Jimmy Garoppolo out?
The 49ers quarterback is set to undergo surgery to fix a broken foot he suffered in Week 13 vs. the Dolphins and will miss the remainder of the regular season. Though the initial belief was that Garoppolo would miss the rest of the season along with the playoffs, doctors ruled out a Lisfranc injury and determined he has a chance to return in 7-8 weeks.
Divisional Playoff Weekend is seven weeks from the day Jimmy Garoppolo was injured; conference championship game is eight weeks away from his injury, and the Super Bowl marks ten weeks. https://t.co/EPndhwtEjC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022
Even on the most optimistic end of that timeline, the 49ers would still likely have to win a playoff game without Garoppolo under center, but coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t holding out much hope for that possibility. He told reporters there’s a “way outside chance” Garoppolo could return in the playoffs but was pessimistic about that happening.
Kyle Shanahan on #49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, confirms no ligament damage: “Still going to be a big recovery. There’s that way outside chance (of a return) late in the playoffs but just an outside chance. Not real optimistic about it but never rule it out.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 7, 2022
Garoppolo suffered breaks in a couple of different places according to Shanahan.
Coach Shanahan confirms Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a season-ending foot injury that will require surgery. #FTTBhttps://t.co/xjReR0VcpH pic.twitter.com/mYvj17trq9
— Chris Alvarez (@CAlvarezABC7) December 5, 2022
Jimmy Garoppolo return date
With the news that Garoppolo isn’t dealing with a Lisfranc injury, he could reportedly return in 7-8 weeks.
The divisional round of the playoffs is seven weeks removed from the injury, so the 49ers, who have little chance of receiving a first-round bye, would have to win at least one playoff game to get Garoppolo on the field again under that timeline. But Shanahan’s comments indicate the 49ers aren’t expecting him back even with a deep playoff run.
MORE: How Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury impacts 49ers’ playoff chances, Super Bowl odds
Jimmy Garoppolo injury timeline
Sunday, Dec. 4: In the 49ers-Dolphins Week 13 matchup, Garoppolo is injured following a sack at the end of the first drive. Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips landed on Garoppolo’s ankle.
The 49ers would list Garoppolo as questionable to return with an ankle injury, and later rule him out entirely.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s ankle rolled inward as it was hit from the outside. That’s a lot of pressure with the foot planted.
X-rays will be needed to rule out a fracture, but an MRI will be more telling. Don’t be surprised if this is season-ending or at least lands him on IR. #49ers pic.twitter.com/0Zo8rDodOQ
— Inside Injuries (@InsideInjuries) December 4, 2022
Following the game, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said that Garoppolo would be done for the year after breaking his foot.
Monday, Dec. 5: Garoppolo is set to undergo some more testing to determine the severity of the broken foot, but surgery is still in the plans.
Tuesday, Dec. 6: A Lisfranc injury is ruled out for Garoppolo, creating the possibility he could return in 7-8 weeks.
Wednesday, Dec. 7: Shanahan tells reporters he’s “not real optimistic” Garoppolo will play again this season, even with a deep playoff run.