Quarterback injuries in 2022 are already shaking up teams at the start of the NFL season.
However, the San Francisco 49ers are in limbo with their star QB being injured.
In the second game of the season, quarterback Trey Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
This now means Jimmy Garoppolo is taking over again in San Francisco.
But with him being on a one-year deal, and Lance’s future health in question, the 49ers are in a pickle.
So, how can they clear up these questions at QB, and will the team be affected by the loss of Lance in 2022?
Garoppolo Gives 49ers Hope That Their Season Isn’t Lost
While the 49ers started the NFL dropping a road game to the Chicago Bears, Garoppolo helped them turn things around when coming off the bench.
After Lance’s injury, the veteran QB came in and took control of the offense, leading the team to victory.
However, it was how his team rallied around him in the win that’s giving San Francisco hope.
So great to see ❤️ pic.twitter.com/71fy9WinF6
— Jimmy Garoppolo Fan Club (@JimmyGFanClub) September 19, 2022
The team knows and trusts the veteran QB, meaning the 49ers have nothing to worry about.
With that trust Garoppolo earned over the years in San Francisco, he’s using it to propel his team to victory.
But can he continue his winning ways against tougher teams?
Garoppolo Is A Game Manager When Facing Tough Teams
Few NFL quarterbacks can manage their offense in the final two minutes like Garoppolo.
According to Pro Football Reference, he’s managed 11 game-winning comeback drives during his career, with one coming during the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers.
Jimmy Garoppolo has 11 career game-winning drives
He got his first playoff GWD last week in Lambeau https://t.co/sauf0DRJdS
— Pro Football Reference (@pfref) January 31, 2022
Of those 11 teams he’s managed game-winning drives against, six of them were playoff teams.
With the veteran QB able to defeat the toughest NFL teams, there’s little to worry about with him in charge.
However, there’s been times when he’s led a game-winning drive, only to be let down by his defense.
Just as predicted:
*Jimmy Garoppolo leads game winning TD drive with 37 seconds left
* Defense massively chokes and gives up game winning FG to Packers
* #49ers fans scream for Jimmy Garoppolo’s head— Germinator (@johngermany) September 27, 2021
But with this season just starting, we are about to see if they can hold any comeback that he leads.
While he can get the team wins, will those wins keep the 49ers QB situation in limbo after the season ends?
A Playoff Run By Garoppolo Puts A Wrench In Plans For Lance-Led 49ers Offense
It was clear the 49ers wanted Lance to lead their offense in 2022 and beyond.
However, if Garoppolo stages a playoff run with the team, it jeopardizes the plans for their young QB.
Could they dump the veteran QB in 2023 if he leads the team to the playoffs?
How can they validate giving the team back to Lance if their veteran QB is getting them into the playoffs?
That’s what puts the QB situation in San Francisco in limbo, as a good season backs the team into a corner.
They can’t ditch their veteran QB if he gives them a playoff berth, as fans won’t forgive them for this.
However, they can’t keep him and then bench him for Lance if he’s giving fans what they want.
So until the season comes to a close, the 49ers QB future will remain in limbo.
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