San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters that Jimmy Garoppolo would be a full participant in practice on Wednesday, indicating that the plan is for the quarterback to start on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams. At least, that remains the hope.
"He's ready to go out there and go today," Shanahan said. "He's still coming back from it, but I expect him to have a full practice, and I'll evaluate him out there."
The coach added that he felt Garoppolo practiced well last week, and the team was confident in his health, leading to Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
"I think that's why he was able to get through most of the game, and probably could have continued to get through most of the game," Shanahan added, "but I think it prohibited him from being at his best. ... I expect him to get better. I don't think he had too many big setbacks last week, so I expect him to feel a little bit better this week.
"Also, you never know with a high-ankle. I mean, the only thing that we can test more is tackling him and getting him to the ground, but that's something we're not going to do."
Shanahan provided several other injury updates.
Linebacker Kwon Alexander indeed suffered a high-ankle sprain on Sunday. Initially, there was hope that the injury would not end up being too severe, but the defender will likely be out indefinitely doe to the latest information.
"Kwon, he's gotten better and better each game," linebacker Fred Warner said on Wednesday. "He's such a big part of what we do, especially on defense, as a leader and a playmaker for us. So, it's a huge loss, obviously, but I think guys are ready to step up. We have Dre (Greenlaw) back healthy. Azeez (Al-Shaair) is experienced, and he's ready to go. I think all three of us, and whoever else needs to be used, will be ready to go."
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is making his way back from the concussion protocol and will participate in practice while wearing a blue no-contact jersey.
Cornerback Dontae Johnson (groin) will not practice while defensive tackle D.J. Jones (eye) will be a full participant.
