49ers Rumors: Injured Jimmy Garoppolo May Back Up Brock Purdy If SF Makes Super Bowl

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly will not be available for Sunday's NFC Championship Game, but there remains a possibility he could be active for the Super Bowl.

"Garoppolo won't be active today, but sources say based on scans of his ankle this week, he's finally at a point where practicing is possible," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. "There will be obvious risks if he actually has to play, but if SF wins, practicing then being the backup is conceivable."

Garoppolo suffered a broken foot in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, and Rapoport reported on Dec. 11 that the veteran would face a three-month recovery period, which would sideline him for the remainder of the season.

The 31-year-old's foot issue was only the latest in a string of ailments that have hampered him since being traded to San Francisco from the New England Patriots in October 2017.

During his first full year with the 49ers in 2018, Garoppolo suffered a torn ACL just three games into the season. He played all 16 games in 2019 but dealt with ankle problems in 2020 that limited him to just six games.

In 2021, the Eastern Illinois product suffered a calf injury and a UCL ligament tear and fracture in his thumb, though he still appeared in 15 games.

Before being sidelined this season, Garoppolo helped lead the Niners to first place in the NFC West with a 7-3 record. He completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 2,437 yards and 16 touchdowns against four interceptions in 11 games.

The two-time Super Bowl winner was expected to back up Trey Lance this year, but the 2021 third overall pick suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 1, thrusting Garoppolo back into the starting role.

With Garoppolo sidelined, rookie seventh-round pick Brock Purdy took over starting duties and has yet to lose in one of the more remarkable stories of the 2022 season.