Unlikely to return for playoffs

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that he isn't optimistic about Garoppolo (foot) returning during the playoffs, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 49ers are in good position to qualify even with backup Brock Purdy taking over at quarterback, but it doesn't sound like they'll be counting on Garoppolo, who only has an "outside chance" to be ready to go by late January according to Shanahan. The good news for Garoppolo is that he avoided a Lisfranc injury and ligament damage after exiting early in Sunday's win over the Dolphins, though his recovery from a broken foot is expected to take around two months despite not requiring surgery to address the injury. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Tuesday that Garoppolo might be able to return in 7-to-8 weeks if all goes well, which would line up with a return for the divisional or Championship round of the playoffs. Making a deep run in the playoffs won't be an easy task now that the Niners are down to their third starting quarterback of the season.