How hurt was Jimmy Garoppolo throughout the Niners’ postseason run? Apparently, a lot more than any of us knew. Speaking to Bally Sports’ Michael Silver after Sunday’s NFC Championship loss to the Rams, the 49ers quarterback admitted injuries affected him on “every throw,” including a torn thumb ligament that will require offseason surgery.
“Every play, I [felt] it,” said Garoppolo, who was also battling a sprained shoulder suffered during the Niners’ Wild Card win over Dallas. “But we made it through.”
Garoppolo beat Los Angeles twice in the regular season but couldn’t finish the season sweep, completing just 16-of-30 passes (53.3 completion percentage) for 232 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Sunday’s defeat. Down by three late in the fourth quarter, Garoppolo had a chance to be the hero but couldn’t deliver, sealing San Francisco’s fate once and for all with a desperation heave intercepted by Rams linebacker Travis Howard. With third overall pick Trey Lance expected to take over as the starter next season, that may very well have been Garoppolo’s final pass in a 49ers uniform.
“I can’t believe this s--- held up, to be honest with you,” Garoppolo admitted after the Niners’ 20-17 loss at SoFi Stadium. “The thumb, the shoulder, all of it. It was one thing after another.”
Though Garoppolo didn’t wow anyone with his performance this postseason, he certainly earned the respect of his teammates, who admired his physical and mental toughness, leading the 49ers to within a game of the Super Bowl after starting the year 3-5. “I think he handled the season amazingly,” said Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams, calling attention to Jimmy G’s “warrior” mentality. “I’m proud of him. He’s a brother for life.”
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Garoppolo can expect a 4-6 week recovery after his surgery. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, Garoppolo is owed $26.9 million in 2022, which will be his final year under contract.
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