NFL rumors: 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo expected to have offseason thumb surgery

Jimmy Garoppolo evidently will tough it out with his thumb injury for the remainder of the 49ers' season.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport cited sources Sunday in reporting that the 49ers quarterback is expected to have surgery to repair the torn ligament in his throwing thumb this offseason.

#49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s thumb injury is serious enough that he’s expected to undergo surgery following the season, sources say. The hope is that he plays again this season, but it’s no sure thing.

My story: https://t.co/nobFUKM0Uo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2022

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Garoppolo reportedly sustained a torn ligament and a chipped bone in his right thumb during last week's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 49ers held out hope that Garoppolo could start Sunday against the Houston Texans, but the veteran was ruled out just before kickoff, giving way to rookie Trey Lance.

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The decision to hold off on surgery until the offseason likely comes from the hope that Garoppolo can play in the 49ers' regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday. But Rapoport reported, citing sources, that Garoppolo's thumb injury isn't the type that can heal on its own, though he's expected to make a full recovery after he eventually has surgery.

The 49ers can clinch an NFC wild-card playoff spot Sunday with a win over the Texans, combined with a New Orleans Saints loss to the Carolina Panthers.