01 February 2023 , 21:40
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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has all but confirmed that Jimmy Garoppolo will leave the franchise this off-season, meaning that Trey Lance and Brock Purdy will battle it out for the starting spot.
Garoppolo was expected to leave the 49ers before the start of the current season, but ended up staying put, and even found himself starting again after week two. A season-ending injury to Lance put Garoppolo back in the mix, but then he suffered a broken foot, which gave rookie quarterback Purdy an unlikely chance.
Purdy's rise was incredible, and the very last pick in the 2022 NFL draft found himself starting the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, although an injury to the youngster ended their chances before the game really began. Garoppolo will now leave the 49ers, meaning that Purdy and Lance will tussle for the starting role next season.
Shanahan addressed the media this week following their NFC Championship defeat, and also to address the departure of defensive coordinator DeMarco Ryans. Their now former DC has taken on the head coach role at the Houston Texans, and many more departures are expected.
One of those is Garoppolo, and Shanahan was asked if there was any possibility that the quarterback will remain with the 49ers. "No, I don't see any scenario of that," Shanahan responded.
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It's fair to say that it's not the biggest loss for the 49ers, as there is a lot of excitement around Lance, and now Purdy following his remarkable season. Garoppolo will leave as a fan favourite, although he upset some of the supporters during their loss to the Eagles.
While the 49ers were suffering in Philadelphia, Garoppolo was seen smiling and laughing on the sidelines. It was picked up during the coverage, and some fans expressed their opinions on Twitter.
Garoppolo's departure gives Purdy even more of a chance at the 49ers, although it's not yet known who will start next season. Lance was drafted third overall in the 2021 draft by the 49ers, and was very much seen as their long-term option for the future.
Jimmy Garoppolo appeared to see the funny side of the San Francisco 49ers' misfortune in the NFC Championship (Twitter@https://twitter.com/saeed48791796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E16198)But Purdy's incredible run leaves Shanahan with a tough decision ahead of next season. Their loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship was Purdy's first as a starter, and it was a game he barely got a chance to play.
Purdy tore his UCL in the first quarter, and fourth-choice quarterback Josh Johnson came in to replace him. Purdy wasn't in a fit state to continue, but was thrown back in after Johnson was ruled out with a concission.
It was later discovered that Purdy's torn UCL could take up to six months to heal, and the 49ers have already suggested surgery. Lance may start next season as a result, but that doesn't mean that Purdy won't be close behind him upon his return.