Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start with the New England Patriots came in the opening game of his third NFL season against the Arizona Cardinals.
While Garoppolo is not expected to start Sunday in his 49ers debut, Arizona coach Bruce Arians said he is not ruling it out, either. The Cardinals are preparing to face both rookie C.J. Beathard and Garoppolo at Levi’s Stadium.
“You got to get prepared for both," Arians said Wednesday morning on a conference call with Bay Area reporters. "I don’t think they’re going to change offensively what they do, it’s just who’s doing it, obviously. We played against Jimmy in our opener, so we have a little history there and (we have) a lot of respect for him. Also, a lot of respect for C.J. I think he’s playing really well.”
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Arians said he was particularly impressed with Garoppolo's poise in the opener last season, as well as his accuracy.
Garoppolo arrived in Santa Clara on Tuesday afternoon and passed a physical to finalize the deal that sent him from the Patriots to the 49ers for a second-round draft pick in 2018.
Garoppolo, subbing for suspended Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, helped New England pull off a road victory over the Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2016 season. He completed 24 of 33 passes for 264 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a 23-21 win.
The 49ers have back-to-back home against the Cardinals and New York Giants before the bye week. The 49ers return from their only week off to play at home Sunday, Nov. 26, against the Seattle Seahawks. That game appears to be a reasonable time for Garoppolo to make his first 49ers start.
San Francisco 49ers
“We’re just got to take it week-by-week right now,” Garoppolo said Tuesday during his introductory press conference. “I've got a whole playbook to learn. The terminology is going to be like learning a different language. I'm looking forward to the challenge and enjoying the process.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Garoppolo and the 49ers’ coaching staff face a huge challenge to quickly get their quarterback of the future up to speed in order to be able to function in an unfamiliar offense.
“I know Jimmy is going to come in here and do everything he can to get ready,” Shanahan said. “I know we are, too. But by no means are we trying to rush the process. I would definitely not expect it this week.
“We'll look at it each week and when we feel that he's comfortable and has a chance to go in there and have some success, with the time he's put in and the reps that he's got in practice, then we'll decide when that time is right.”