The 49ers only needed Jimmy Garoppolo to get through his first practice fully healthy. He did that and more Saturday during Day 1 of training camp, and put together a strong showing that provides an early reason for optimism that San Francisco’s offense will hit its stride for the first time in two years under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Garoppolo was cleared Friday for full participation in team drills after sitting out 11-on-11s during the offseason program. His first team action since tearing his ACL in Week 3 last season didn’t start great. He missed his first two throws, but connected on his final six to close the day six-for-eight.
The biggest story is that Garoppolo went through team drills unimpeded by his knee and finished the entire practice in full health. That he performed so well is an added bonus.
It’s still the first day of camp with no pads, but it’s still positive for the 49ers to see their franchise quarterback getting back into form so early.
Garoppolo won’t play in the preseason opener against the Cowboys on Aug. 10 since he was only cleared for full team activities on July 26. It stands to reason though that he could see in-game preseason action in Week 2 at Denver or Week 3 at Kansas City if he continues to make the progress he made Saturday.
The 49ers’ signal caller struggled at times during his three games last season, and his return won’t necessarily a cure-all for the team’s offensive woes. On the other hand, a good outing from Garoppolo on Day 1 of camp is much better than a bad one. If he starts stringing dominant practices together, expect the optimism around San Francisco to elevate to new heights going into the regular season.
