The San Francisco 49ers have a chance at getting their starting quarterback back for a deep postseason run.
Jimmy Garoppolo's foot injury won't require surgery, clearing the way for a potential return sometime in the playoffs should his rehab go smoothly, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, per a source.
Pelissero added that Garoppolo's recovery timeline would depend on how rehab goes. With the Super Wild Card Round scheduled to begin on Jan. 14, that puts a five-week timeline on a potential return for the start of the playoffs. The Divisional Round (Jan. 21-22) and Championship Round (Jan. 29) follow in the subsequent weeks, with Super Bowl LVII scheduled for Feb. 12.
NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo noted the reason for the optimism concerning Garoppolo is there was no ligament damage, per sources. That was the reason behind the timeline shifting.
Garoppolo suffered a broken foot in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins, putting an end to his regular season. Seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy finished that game in Garoppolo's absence, passing for 210 yards and two touchdowns against an AFC team in the playoff hunt. The 49ers on Tuesday signed veteran Josh Johnson to a one-year deal for added depth, and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported San Francisco did not put in a waiver claim for Baker Mayfield, who instead was claimed by the Rams.
Tuesday's news offers new hope for Jimmy G's return for San Francisco this season. The 49ers will have to earn a playoff spot and perhaps a win or two into late January in order to allow Garoppolo's comeback to happen.
