SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Jimmy Garoppolo, so to speak, got the thumbs up to resume practicing.
That does not assure, however, he will reclaim his starting job for the 49ers' visit Sunday to the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams, where the 49ers can clinch a wild-card berth with a victory.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said he has not decided if Garoppolo or Trey Lance will get the start, "which is the truth," said Shanahan, adding that he won't announce his move until one of them takes the field upon the 1:25 p.m. kickoff.
Garoppolo didn't indicate if he's confident about reclaiming his role, though he noted he "didn't feel so hot" after Tuesday's test session throwing the ball. "It, (expletive) it, it hurts," Garoppoo said. "It's like the web in your hand is tearing a little bit. That's the best way to describe it. But it's all good."
Lance filled in for Garoppolo in Sunday's 23-7 victory over the Houston Texans. He is still slated to get the majority of first-team reps in Wednesday's light-tempo practice.
"We'll put Jimmy in with what he feels comfortable doing," Shanahan said on a video conference with reporters before practice. "... We've got to be careful." Shanahan added. "Waiting until we did helped get him to his point.
"Each day is a new experience. It's going to be at Jimmy's pace and just talking to him, making sure he doesn't push it too hard, to give him a chance for Sunday."
Garoppolo tore a ligament and a fleck of bone in his right thumb 13 days ago at Tennessee. He has not practiced since, but he did throw encouragingly enough Tuesday to merit clearance for Wednesday's session.
"It's sore, but pretty good throwing session," Garoppolo said. "I"m feeling that out, feeling the new tape job. I'm trying to get it back to my old motion where it's fluid. It's a process but we're moving in the right direction.
Inactive players must be announced 90 minutes ahead of time, as was the case last Sunday when it became official Garoppolo would not suit up for the second time this season.
Garoppolo said he was frustrated as a bystander on Sunday but was "ecstatic we got the win." He praised Lance for being calm and composed in his place.
"I want everything in my body to be out there but you have to be smart at the same time," Garoppolo added.
OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
The 49ers are not as injury-ravaged as past years but they're not necessarily at their best, from their greatest strength (offensive line) to their biggest weakness (cornerback).
Left tackle Trent Williams is dealing with a sprained elbow, and although he's not practicing today, he's typically received Wednesdays off to rest his 33-year-old body. Shanahan expects Williams to play Sunday.
Free safety Jimmie Ward and cornerbacks K'Waun Wiliams and Dontae Johnson went on the COVID reserve list Monday, and cornerback Ambry Thomas was added to that group Wednesday. All could be cleared through NFL protocol, if showing no ill symptoms.
NEXT SEASON'S OPPONENTS
Assured of finishing third in the NFC West, the 49ers' opponents are set for next season.
Home games: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks.
Away games: Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks. (The 49ers have yet to play in the Falcons' and the Raiders' stadiums, since they opened in 2017 and 2020, respectively.)
