It looks like Nick Mullens will be at quarterback when the San Francisco 49ers take the field on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jimmy Garoppolo is still recovering from the ankle injury he sustained during Week 2 and couldn't get onto the practice field this week.
David Lombardi of The Athletic reports that Garoppolo was not on the field when the 49ers started to practice this afternoon. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said earlier this week that the quarterback would need to practice at least once to play on Sunday.
No Jimmy Garoppolo at the start of 49ers practice today (Friday). We have not seen him all week at practice as he rehabs from a high ankle sprain, so Nick Mullens will almost certainly start at QB against the Eagles.
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 2, 2020
"Any time you're dealing with an ankle, you might feel alright when you're standing there, but can you move around and get into awkward positions without hurting yourself?" Shanahan said this week. "That's really what we'd have to see. It would be tough for us to see that and truly judge that if he didn't get into practice."
Mullens performed well filling in for Garoppolo last week. He finished the game 25-of-36 for 343 yards with a touchdown and a passer rating of 108.9. It would appear that the 49ers offense is in good hands while Garoppolo continues to recover.
Shanahan assured the media this week, though, that there is no quarterback controversy brewing for the 49ers.
"This is Jimmy's team," Shanahan said. "He's done a hell of a job for us, and when he's healthy, he'll be playing again for us."
Running back Raheem Mostert (knee) was also among those who do not appear to be practicing.
Raheem Mostert is not at 49ers practice either. So they'll likely be without QB1 and RB1 against the Eagles pic.twitter.com/BBo3okFVFr
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 2, 2020
Also of some concern is the fact that cornerback Emmanuel Moseley did not practice this week. He has been in the concussion protocol. Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) started practice by getting in some work on a side field, per ESPN. K'Waun Williams (hip), however, appears to be participating again.
Tight end George Kittle (knee) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (foot) were on the field for the start of Friday's practice, signaling that both could play against the Eagles.
Another day, another practice for TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel. Little doubt that Kittle will be ready to go at this point. Samuel appears to have made it through week well. Kyle Shanahan will have answer on his status after practice.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 2, 2020
The 49ers will officially announce after practice which players are ruled out for Sunday.