Garoppolo doubtful, Lance in line to start vs. Texans
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Friday that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is doubtful to play Sunday against the Houston Texans due to a thumb injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Trey Lance is expected to start under center in Week 17, Rapoport adds.
Garoppolo hasn't attempted passes at practice this week, but Shanahan said he's "holding out hope" that the veteran signal-caller may be able to play after testing his thumb Saturday, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
San Francisco also activated quarterback Nate Sudfeld from the practice squad Friday.
The 30-year-old Garoppolo is 8-6 as a starter this season. He's completed 68% of his passes while tossing 19 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Lance has started one game in 2021, replacing an injured Garoppolo in a Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The 2021 third overall pick only went 15-for-29 with no touchdowns and one pick, and he hasn't attempted a pass since.
The 8-7 49ers, currently the No. 6 seed in the NFC, enter Week 17 with a 74% chance of making the postseason, according to FiveThirtyEight.