Jimmy Garoppolo reaggravated his balky ankle Sunday and perhaps reignited a quarterback controversy.
The 49ers’ QB1 logged another rough performance before exiting with an ankle injury in a 37-27 loss to the Seahawks.
With San Francisco trailing by 23 in the final frame, Jimmy G’s day ended early. Nick Mullens‘, however, was just getting started. The backup QB promptly led the offense on three scoring drives, completing 18 of 25 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns in less than a quarter of play.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters afterward he’ll know better Monday what condition Garoppolo’s ankle is in. San Francisco could make a decision about a starter soon given the quick turnaround before Thursday Night Football against the Packers.
Garoppolo wasn’t the 49ers’ only key player to go down in Seattle. George Kittle suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter and didn’t return. Shanahan said X-rays showed no break for the All-Pro tight end. Running back Tevin Coleman, playing for the first time since Week 2, lasted less than a half before re-injuring his knee.
Sunday marked another shaky start for Garoppolo, who completed 11 of 16 passes for 84 yards and an interception before limping to the locker room. His ankle has been bothering him since he sprained it in Week 2 and missed the following two games. It especially compromised his Week 5 return, a blowout loss to the Dolphins in which he was pulled after just one half.
Jimmy G has now thrown seven touchdowns to five interceptions in six starts this season. Shanahan noted after the latest one that he had a good week throwing the ball but high-ankle sprains can linger and unexpectedly arise.
The NFC West showdown had a notable impact on the standings, leaving the last-place Niners (4-4) three games in the loss column behind the first-place Seahawks (6-1).
