© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
This week has been all about the quarterback position for the 49ers. While last weekend’s loss to the Chiefs was largely brought on by missed tackles, it will be a game remembered for Jimmy Garoppolo being carted off the field with a torn left ACL.
Garoppolo’s absence means C.J. Beathard will become the 49ers’ starting quarterback, with Nick Mullens coming up from the practice squad to back him up. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the roster is currently too full for the 49ers to sign any of the at least seven quarterbacks they tried out this Tuesday. On Tolbert and Lund today, Shanahan said he didn’t feel like the team needed a veteran QB.
“I don’t think we need a veteran, we need good players,” Shanahan said. “I have a lot of confidence in C.J. and we’ve got a lot of confidence in Nick Mullens.”
Beathard had a difficult time last year in his rookie season, something Shanahan said was a factor of being a rookie combined with the pressure of a thin offensive line, a poor run game and inexperienced wide receivers. He said he expects more out of Beathard this time around with an improved roster.
“One, I think the team is better around him,” Shanahan said. “I think he came in the first game versus Washington (last year) and played really well… Not many quarterbacks are going to succeed in that situation… C.J., he’s healthier now, the team is better around him.”
An area that Shanahan encouraged Beathard to improve is getting rid of the ball quicker when he’s pressured.
“One thing that’s unusual about C.J., it’s his gift and his curse,” Shanahan said. “Nothing bothers him. He’s so poised… That’s what gives him a chance to succeed. But sometimes he’s so poised I want to tell him, ‘Hey man, we didn’t block very well, get out of there.’”
Shanahan also credited Beathard for being “abnormally tough” and his mobility. While he said he’d like to bring in another quarterback, no opportunity has presented itself yet, with no player being sent to the injured reserve.
“I’d love to have a third quarterback in here,” Shanahan said. “But in order to sign someone, we have to cut someone.”