"Yeah, it's just been an outside chance the whole time, and that was still an outside chance," head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday, before that outside chance turned into no chance.
The 49ers never placed Garoppolo on injured reserve, leaving the door open for a playoff return. However, we are now down to just one more game as a possibility—Super Bowl 57. Of course, the 49ers will need to beat the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field for that to happen.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic had a chance to speak with Garoppolo on Friday before the team boarded a Philly-bound plane.
"[Garoppolo] said he can do everything on his still-mending foot but sprint," Barrows wrote via a tweet. "I asked if he's on track to be available should the 49ers make it to the SB. He smiled and said that's still up in the air."
Garoppolo has not played since December 4, when he suffered a broken foot against the Miami Dolphins. That's when Purdy entered the game, won it, and followed that up with seven more victories as the new starting quarterback.
On Sunday, Purdy will look to become the first rookie quarterback to start and win a conference championship game. If that happens, Garoppolo may serve as his backup in Super Bowl 57. Of course, as the veteran quarterback said, even that remains "up in the air."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Brock Purdy won't face Packers, status for Bills game 'up in the air'
The San Francisco 49ers were caught off guard by how significantly quarterback Brock Purdy's shoulder injury has limited him this week. The setback, sustained during last Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, was not initially expected to sideline him for this weekend's... -
49ers vs. Packers injury report: Purdy briefly throws before exiting practice; Still no Williams, Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 12 contest against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Brock Purdy, who refrained from throwing during Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, resumed light throwing to team staff... -
John Lynch: 49ers thrilled about Dre Greenlaw's return
The San Francisco 49ers plan to open linebacker Dre Greenlaw's practice window this week, paving the way for his highly anticipated return to the field. Greenlaw is slated to join his teammates at practice on Wednesday, providing a significant boost to the defense, even if his... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan shares positive update on Dre Greenlaw, discusses return timeline
The San Francisco 49ers are encouraged by linebacker Dre Greenlaw's progress as he works his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in February. While Greenlaw remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism about the...