Report: Josh Rosen Signs Contract with 49ers; Garappolo Not Expected to Return

The San Francisco 49ers have ruled out quarterback Nick Mullens for the year after suffering an elbow sprain on Sunday. Additionally, Jimmy Garappolo is not expected to return for either of the club's two remaining contests.

"That's only if the doctors tell me it's 100 percent safe and [Garappolo] feels good, and I'd be very surprised that happens right now," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "He's safe to go out to practice, which we're only having walkthrough today, but it'll be fun for him to throw the ball around a little bit tomorrow. But we're going to be very safe with him this week and we'll see next week. But I'd be very surprised if that changes."

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates, the Niners signed former first-round pick Josh Rosen off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad though C.J. Bethard is slated to start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16.

Rosen hasn't played at all in 2020 and took his last meaningful snap in Week 5 last year. The former UCLA star owns a 3-13 record as a starter with 12 touchdowns, 19 interceptions and a career passer rating of 63.5 in 20 games. 

The 23-year-old is expected to primarily serve as added depth in a depleted position group as he joins his fourth NFL franchise in three years.

Mullens' injury may require the QB to undergo Tommy John surgery, which would sideline him for at least six weeks. 

"We had an idea it could be serious after the game, but they had to get the MRI and look if any ligaments are torn," Shanahan said. "They want to let the swelling go down to know the exact severity of it and a plan for surgery and everything, but that does sound most likely. We'll see when he does it, but that's what it sounds like."

The Niners' practice squad quarterback, Josh Johnson, was added to the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, meaning running back Jerick McKinnon or fullback Kyle Juszczyk could line up under center in an emergency situation.