We continue to inch ever closer to Trey Lance’s first NFL start. After two days of practice, Jimmy Garoppolo has yet to participate and continues to deal with a calf injury.
Garoppolo termed the injury as a “strain” or a “pull,” though it is listed as a calf contusion. Following the 28-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, he expressed concern that it could hold him out for multiple weeks, but Kyle Shanahan said this week that the 49ers received positive news regarding the injury and that there is “a chance” Garoppolo could play.
Asked if he’d be 100 percent or dealing with pain on Wednesday, the 49ers’ starter pointed towards the latter. It was not an exceedingly optimistic self-assessment.
“[I’d be] battling through it, probably,” Garoppolo said. “We’ll take it day by day, but I mean, it hurts. But it is what it is at this point.”
Shanahan’s review of Lance’s performance on Wednesday was much more positive than immediately following the game, and signs continue to point towards him starting against the Arizona Cardinals.
Of course, this all leaves the door open for the 49ers to either continue starting Lance, or return to Garoppolo, with the benefit of a Week 6 bye.
Here are the other observations from the start of 49ers practice:
- Trent Williams (shoulder): Practicing – did not practice on Thursday
- George Kittle (calf): Not practicing – did not practice on Thursday
- Ebukam (hamstring): Was in uniform, doing side field work – did not practice on Thursday
- Alex Mack (not injury related): Practicing – did not practice on Thursday, vet day
- Elijah Mitchell (shoulder): Practicing – limited on Thursday
- Josh Norman (chest): Practicing – limited on Thursday
- Javon Kinlaw (knee): Was in pads – was in pads, side field at start, limited on Thursday
- K’Waun Williams (calf): Not practicing, expected to be out multiple weeks
- Arik Armstead: Was in pads, not listed with an injury (previously had adductor injury), but was on side field at start of practice