Jimmy Garoppolo survived the latest roster cut-down by the San Francisco 49ers. Everyone is trying to determine if the quarterback will make it past next week's 53-player cut-down. He could. Garoppolo's salary doesn't become guaranteed until the start of the season. With 16 days sandwiched between Thursday's preseason finale against the Houston Texans and the regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears, there is some breathing room.
Of course, keeping Garoppolo on the roster past the August 30 cut-down deadline would mean getting rid of a player who might contribute this season. While the 49ers have repeatedly insisted that holding onto Garoppolo this season is possible, few believe the team would do that.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave a very Shanahan answer when asked if Garoppolo might be part of the upcoming roster cuts.
"I don't know what I'll do that day. I'll probably decide when it comes," the coach said.
Shanahan's response, and the way he said it, brought back memories of last year when he said he couldn't guarantee "anybody in the world will be alive Sunday" when asked about Garoppolo's future.
The coach added that he speaks with Garoppolo regularly. He also commented on how he has looked throwing the football on the side as the 49ers practice.
"He looks the same as he always has," Shanahan said. "He always throws real good, so he looks the exact same."
With Trey Lance set to be the starter and Nate Sudfeld and Brock Purdy set to be the team's backups—with Purdy likely landing on the practice squad—where does that put Garoppolo if trade interest doesn't materialize? Could the starter of the past four-and-a-half seasons remain on the roster should there be a quarterback injury?
"I think any scenario is possible," Shanahan answered, giving away nothing.
San Francisco obviously isn't looking to reveal too much at this point. There is still time for something to happen. But with the window quickly closing, the 49ers will need to make a decision soon on Garoppolo.