Jimmy Garoppolo missed Week 17 with a thumb injury, but he’s in line to return today against the Los Angeles Rams despite being limited all week in practice. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the 49ers are expected to start Garoppolo against the Rams.
Rapoport reports that Garoppolo is still dealing with the torn ligament, suggesting he isn’t fully healthy, but the 49ers are rolling with their veteran over the rookie Trey Lance. Lance will be ready if needed, and the Rams prepared for both quarterbacks to play.
#49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, still dealing with a torn ligament in his thumb, is expected to start vs the #Rams, sources say. SF did not activate another QB, and players who saw him throw in practice said he looked normal. Trey Lance took practice reps & will be ready if needed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2022
In his career with the 49ers, Garoppolo is undefeated against the Rams, going 5-0 dating back to 2017. He has eight touchdown passes and five interceptions, with a passer rating of 97.9.
The 49ers as a team have also won five in a row against the Rams since the start of the 2019 season, most recently beating Los Angeles 31-10 in Week 10. In that game, Garoppolo completed15 of 19 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns.