Jimmy Garoppolo injured his right thumb in San Francisco's loss at Tennessee last week and his status for the 49ers' game this week is in doubt.
Garoppolo missed practice Monday because of the injury suffered in the first half of last Thursday's loss at Tennessee and coach Kyle Shanahan said the team would have a better idea about his availability later in the week for Sunday's game against Houston.
The 49ers (8-7) currently hold a wild-card spot in the NFC.
Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) for a 7-yard loss in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP PhotoMark Zaleski)
“It’s a thumb sprain, so I think you guys know how those are,” Shanahan said. "It didn’t feel great today. He wasn’t able to throw today and we’ll see how it is on Wednesday. Hopefully it’ll get better.”
Shanahan said Garoppolo got hurt on a sack in the second quarter when he was driven to the ground but stayed in the game. Shanahan said he believed the injury played a role in the interception in the third quarter that set up Tennessee's first touchdown.
Garoppolo was able to lead a game-tying drive, but San Francisco lost 20-17 to the Titans.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws as he is pressured by Tennessee Titans defenders in the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP PhotoWade Payne)
If Garoppolo is unable to play, rookie Trey Lance would get his second start of the season. The Niners traded three first-round picks to draft Lance third overall in April, but Lance has only played five snaps in garbage time since starting in Week 5 at Arizona.
Lance went 15 for 29 for 192 yards with an interception in that 17-10 loss and also ran 16 times for 89 yards. Lance hurt his knee in that game and has been showing positive signs in practice.
“I think this last month of Trey has been his best consecutive four weeks of practice since we’ve had him,” Shanahan said. "He’s had a number of good days and he’s had some bad days, like most guys do, but as far as his consistency, I feel this last month has been his best.”
NOTES: LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee sprain) is expected to miss the final two regular-season games. ... DT D.J. Jones (ankle) will be limited this week. ... RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) could return this week. ... The Niners also placed P Mitch Wishnowsky on the COVID-19 list. ... San Francisco signed LB Tyrell Adams to the practice squad.
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