San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo may be out, but he’s not out yet.
Garoppolo left Sunday’s 33-17 win over the Dolphins with a foot injury that was initially thought to be season-ending. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 31-year-old doesn’t need surgery and neither does Lisfranc, meaning he could return to the playoffs in seven to eight weeks if all goes well.
That development is welcome for the 8-4 Niners, who currently sit atop the NFC West. Before the injury, Garappolo had one of the most productive seasons of his career, recording 2,437 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions through 11 games.
Garoppolo, who had to be traded before the season, regained his starting role after second-year QB Trey Lance broke his ankle in Week 2.
For now, the reins will go to former Iowa star Brock Purdy, who has played well in Garappolo’s absence. Purdy had 210 passing yards and two touchdowns in a win over Miami.
With their third-string QB on the line, the 49ers signed Josh Johnson to a one-year contract on Tuesday, making it the fourth time the franchise has signed a journeyman.
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