Sometimes it feels like NFL coaches protect roster decisions like war secrets.
Heading into his team’s high-stakes regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is keeping his starting quarterback decision close to the vest. It seemed like Shanahan was dodging bullets with the QB questions throughout his press conference with reporters Friday.
So, whether it will be Jimmy Garoppolo and his bum thumb under center or rookie Trey Lance, we’ll have to wait until Sunday. With a victory over the Rams or a loss by the New Orleans Saints, the 49ers will earn a postseason bid.
“I know what we’re doing,” Shanahan said, via the 49ers’ YouTube channel. “I just don’t feel like telling you right now.”
Garoppolo tore a ligament and suffered a small fracture in his right thumb in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans. He missed the Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans, allowing Lance to lead the Niners to a 23-7 win in his second career start.
Despite experiencing pain Tuesday, Garoppolo looked like he was throwing the ball with plenty of oomph, according to reporters in Santa Clara. Matt Barrows of The Athletic shared his impressions and video from Friday’s practice.
“He had a good week of practice,” Shanahan said. “Feel good with where he’s at right now.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if Garoppolo is back under center Sunday, given Shanahan’s comments and his loyalty to Jimmy G despite the pressure to play Lance all season. For what it’s worth, Shanahan said Lance has improved this week as well. Reports out of Santa Clara indicate the 49ers are working on a two-QB system in practice as well.
“Trey had a good week,” Shanahan said. “Thought he was a little bit better this week than last week, so he keeps improving. I think everything with Jimmy was just trying to feel what he was comfortable with, what he could push and couldn’t push through. Just trying to figure out all the parts of the game that do go down on Sunday. You try to do your best to simulate it this week.”
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The seven-minute Zoom conversation Friday must have felt like an eternity for Shanahan, who artfully deflected any creative queries about his quarterback situation.
“I’m excited to get to Sunday,” Shanahan said. “I’m glad I have no press conferences after today. Once I survive this I’m done talking about it. I think we’ll be good after that. I think you guys understand why you don’t announce it. But, regardless, especially with Trey playing last week, we got two guys with some experience that our team feels good with. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Shanahan also said there wasn’t any added gamesmanship as he prepared to face his friend and Rams coach Sean McVay.
“More has to do with their defense,” Shanahan said. “Make [defensive coordinator] Raheem [Morris] a little more uncomfortable. Not that Raheem ever gets uncomfortable. It’s just not worth saying. There’s no real point in it, except to avoid more of these press conferences. This is my last one.”
