The 49ers can get QB Jimmy Garoppolo back in 2022.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that doctors have concluded that the broken foot Garoppolo sustained in Week 13 against Miami will not require surgery, allowing him to return in seven to eight weeks.
Of course, a seven- or eight-week schedule would put Garoppolo back in the divisional playoffs as soon as possible, and even then he’ll be returning from a foot injury after not playing in two months.
The 49ers initially ruled him out for the 2022 season when head coach Kyle Shanahan announced the veteran signal caller would need surgery. Now, the news that he won’t need surgery and the potential for his return could change the roster calculus of him a bit.
San Francisco has two chances left to bring back players from IR. RB Elijah Mitchell went on the disabled list last week and is expected to be reactivated for the postseason, with DL Javon Kinlaw expected to return from the disabled list soon.
Even the potential of Garoppolo’s return could prevent the 49ers from sending him to the disabled list, though if rookie quarterback Brock Purdy is playing well enough to lead San Francisco to the divisional round, the team can move on. with the rookie
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