(Audacy) 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has clarified recent comments in which he indicated he wasn't sure who would be the team's starting quarterback for its matchup at Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Speaking with reporters on a conference call Monday, Shanahan confirmed veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is still tabbed to start over rookie Trey Lance and added that the previous uncertainty was mostly owing to Garoppolo's injury status.
"In terms of deciding who's going at quarterback, that has to do with Jimmy's health," Shanahan said. "I wanted to see how his calf was, and it's good today. So he'll be starting, and hopefully Trey will get back into practice and have a good enough week to where he can dress, and if he ends up dressing, there's always a good chance he'll get some plays in there."
After the 49ers' demoralizing loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Levi's Stadium on Sunday night, Shanahan seemed to offer up a half-hearted endorsement of Garoppolo when asked whether he was still the starter.
“Well, that … I would guess so," Shanahan told reporters. "You know, I’m gonna watch this tape and see if guys are healthy, first of all, and know where our guys are at. It was good for Jimmy to get healthy enough to play in this game tonight.”
Garoppolo struggled against the Colts, throwing two interceptions in tough weather conditions. The poor showing prompted some to wonder whether his startign status was on the hot seat after the 49ers selected Lance at No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft last spring.
But Lance has been hampered by a minor injury, missing the Colts game due to a knee ailment that suffered on Oct. 10. Lance started that game in place of Garoppolo, who suffered a calf injury the prior week.
Lance is expected to be back at practice Wednesday, though Shanahan cautioned he's likely to see relatively limited action against the Bears after missing a couple weeks of practice.
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