49ers QB situation still in flux as preparations for Rams begin

The #49ers have exactly zero clarity on their QB situation going into Week 18.

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The 49ers need to get a win in their season finale against the Rams in Los Angeles. Ideally in that scenario a team wouldn’t have question marks surrounding their quarterback situation, but that’s where the 49ers find themselves with starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo still nursing a thumb injury.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday told reporters on a conference call there’s still no clarity on Garoppolo’s availability in Week 18.

“We just finished all the film work with the guys,” Shanahan said. ‘We’re going to put together a game plan for both (quarterbacks) and hopefully he’ll be able to practice on Wednesday.”

Garoppolo is still dealing with a torn UCL in the thumb on his throwing hand. He didn’t throw at all during Week 17 in an attempt to allow the injury to heal enough for him to play in Los Angeles.

“I think pain is a huge deal, but I think Jimmy will be alright with that when the time comes to have to go through it,” Shanahan said. “I think the more days you can take off, the more you give it a chance to stay healthy and kind of relatch and not to make it worse. And that’s the fine line of knowing how far you can get with it. And at the same time, also trying to give it just a little extra time to get a little stickier.”

It doesn’t sound like the week will provide any certainty even if Garoppolo does get some throwing in during practice. The 49ers left the door open for his return all the way up until game time Sunday. Chances are we see a similar tactic this week. His status Wednesday and Thursday will set the tone for his potential return against the Rams.

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