The 49ers' received good news for their plan behind Jimmy Garoppolo.
Quarterback Nick Mullens underwent successful elbow surgery late last month, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported. The damage wasn't as extensive as initially feared and did not require Tommy John surgery, and Mullens should be expected to be fully recovered for the start of training camp, Garafolo added.
Mullens played in 10 games in 2020, starting eight in place of the injured Garoppolo. Mullens completed 64.7% of his attempts for 2,437 yards, but his 12-12 TD-INT ratio helps explain why coach Kyle Shanahan twice turned to third-stringer C.J. Beathard for a spark.
Mullens remains San Francisco's best option behind Garoppolo, a situation the 49ers would like to avoid, of course. Knowing he should be available from the start of camp answers a potential depth question, though, checking one item off San Francisco's offseason to-do list.
The 49ers announced Tuesday afternoon they had signed restricted free-agent running back Jeff Wilson to a one-year contract.
Wilson, 25, has produced 974 yards rushing in three seasons with the Niners since joining the team as an undrafted free agent. However, he made a big splash in 2020 as he tallied career- and team-highs of 126 carries, 600 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Wilson's opportunities came due to a huge amount of 49ers injuries, though he didn't avoid the injury bug himself and played in 12 games with three starts.
Here's other news Around The NFL is monitoring on Tuesday:
- The Atlanta Falcons are hiring Maryland defensive coordinator Jon Hoke as defensive backs coach and former Bears assistant Ted Monachino as outside linebackers coach, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported, per sources. The team later announced the hirings.
- The Detroit Lions are hiring Dave Fipp as special teams coordinator, Pelissero reported. The team later announced the hiring.
- The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of 13 players to reserve/futures contracts, including quarterback Davis Webb, wide receivers Duke Williams and Jake Kumerow and defensive end Bryan Cox Jr.
- The Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday they have signed wide receiver Keelan Doss to a reserve/futures contract.
