After playing some of the best football of his career, San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a left foot injury in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
Dolphins LB Jerome Baker and DE Jaelan Phillips sacked Garoppolo with 11 minutes remaining in the first quarter. In the ensuing pile, Garoppolo’s foot was caught underneath Phillips and broke, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
While rookie QB Brock Purdy was able to step in and lead the 49ers to a win, this is the second starting signal-caller to go down for San Francisco this season. What does Garoppolo’s injury mean for the 49ers, and how long is he out for?
How Long Will Jimmy Garoppolo’s Injury Keep Him Out?
All the news from San Francisco says Jimmy Garroppolo broke multiple bones in his left foot. This is crushing, given that he was having one of the best seasons since joining the 49ers.
A timetable for return has not been established as the severity of the injury is still in question. Nonetheless, some reports suggest he could be available for the playoffs and won’t require surgery. However, barring setbacks, he’ll be 100% by the time the 2023 football season comes around.
Even so, NFL fans may have seen him take his last snaps in San Francisco, given the continuous enigma of the 49ers’ QB plan. Garoppolo signed a one-year, $7 million contract last offseason, and he’s set to hit free agency again in 2023. Will the foot injury cause the 49ers to let him pursue a contract with a new team?
Where Could Garoppolo End Up In 2023?
San Francisco could be inclined to go with the rookie behind QB Trey Lance in 2023, depending on how Purdy ends the season. Shanahan explained the team would not be considering activating Lance this season and would let Purdy finish out the year after yesterday’s win.
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Lance would presumably get another shot at starting after recovering from his broken fibula suffered in Week 2. That would leave Garoppolo as the odd man out, with his injury occurring 11 weeks later. Both parties have said they are open to a new contract next season. However, no one expected Purdy to play as he did.
One possible destination could be the Indianapolis Colts. Since Andrew Luck retired ahead of the 2019 season, the Colts have enlisted six different QBs to start a game under center. That list includes Jacoby Brissett, Brian Hoyer, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Sam Ehlinger. Given Ryan’s performance so far in 2022, it would be jaw-dropping to see him return for another campaign. This leaves Indianapolis looking for another new QB. Could they bring in Garoppolo to fill that void?
A second option for Garoppolo could be heading down to sign in the Big Easy. The Jameis Winston/Andy Dalton experiment blew up in New Orleans’ face. The offense has been stagnant with the copious amount of WR injuries and the lackluster play from the signal-callers. While it remains to be seen if Dennis Allen will get a Year 2 as Saints head coach, whoever leads the team in 2023 could bring Garoppolo in to take over the offense while New Orleans determines a long-term plan.
Potential buyers in the 2023 QB market will be waiting to see the severity of Garoppolo’s foot injury before offering a new contract.