It’s been 2 1/2 months since Jimmy Garoppolo bid farewell in his end-of-season press conference, and he is not expected to reverse course this morning when the 49ers open their offseason program.
Garoppolo will remain away from the team’s facility while rehabilitating his surgically repaired throwing shoulder, the NFL Network reported.
That further signals a transfer of power to Trey Lance at the 49ers’ pressure-packed quarterback spot. At least for the offseason program.
Lance is expected to take most if not all of the first-team reps in those workouts, which ramp up to nine organized team activities from May 23 to June 9. The 49ers’ mandatory minicamp is June 13-15.
Having had surgery March 8 to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder, Garoppolo is not expected to throw until training camp in late July, and that gap away from the field surely scared off potential suitors in the trade market the past two months.
Also expected to avoid at least on-field work in the offseason program is All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is eligible for a contract extension, as is defensive end Nick Bosa, whose status is unknown.
Garoppolo has not commented since Feb. 2, three days after the 49ers fell in the NFC Championship Game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. Garoppolo’s final words: “It’s been a hell of a ride, guys. And love you guys. So, see ya.”
He probably won’t be seeing a $600,000 offseason workout bonus by steering clear of the 49ers’ voluntary, nine-week program. That is the NFL’s third-highest such bonus behind the $700,000 incentives for David Bakhtiari (Green Bay Packers) and Kenny Clark (Kansas City Chiefs), according to Spotrac.com.
Garoppolo has been rehabilitating in the Los Angeles area following his surgery by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who also repaired Garoppolo’s left knee following a September 2018 tear to his anterior cruciate ligament. Garoppolo attended the 49ers’ offseason program that ensuing spring and the others’ since then.
Garoppolo and the 49ers are “on the same page” with his impending absence while he conditions elsewhere.
The first two weeks of the NFL’s offseason program are restricted to meetings and strength/conditioning exercises, plus rehabilitation for those in need.
Lance has worked the past two months with a private coaches in Huntington Beach, and he recently worked with wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Connor Wedington and newcomer Ray-Ray McCloud.
