Won't start Week 13

Beathard will remain the 49ers' backup quarterback for the team's Week 13 game with the Seahawks after coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday that Nick Mullens would retain the starting role, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Mullens will be under center for the fourth consecutive game, but Shanahan made it clear that the Southern Mississippi product's grip on the No. 1 gig is far from secure. Since lighting up the Raiders for 11.9 yards per attempt and three touchdowns in his NFL debut in Week 9, Mullens has regressed badly in his last two outings against mediocre teams in the Giants and Buccaneers, completing 63.4 of his passes for 6.6 YPA, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Mullens will face his stiffest test…read more

Could get another shot

Beathard may get another chance to start for the 49ers at some point in December, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Nick Mullens predictably has regressed since his 262-yard, three-score NFL debut Week 9 against Oakland, throwing two touchdowns and four interceptions the past two games -- both of which were losses to sub-.500 teams. Beathard has his own issues with turnovers, but holds advantages over Mullens in terms of size, mobility and arm strength. Looking beyond this season, the 49ers still need to figure out if either player is good enough to serve as their long-term No. 2 quarterback behind Jimmy…read more

Backup role confirmed

Nick Mullens confirmed that he would continue to serve as the 49ers' starting quarterback Week 10 against the Giants, relegating Beathard to the No. 2 role, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Though Beathard looks to be in decent health after his wrist/thumb injury limited him to backup duties in the Week 9 win over the Raiders, it would have been a major surprise if he reclaimed the top gig after Mullens dazzled in his NFL debut. Mullens torched the Raiders for 262 passing yards and three touchdowns while completing 16 of 22 attempts in the 34-3 win. Perhaps most notable was the fact that Mullens didn't commit a turnover, an area where Beathard (seven interceptions, three lost…read more

Likely to stick in No. 2 role

Beathard is expected to remain the 49ers' backup quarterback in Week 10 against the Giants with Nick Mullens on track to earn another start, Jay Glazer reported on "Fox NFL Sunday."

Analysis: After Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 3, Beathard started the 49ers' subsequent five contests, completing 60.4 percent of his passes while averaging 7.4 yards per attempt and throwing for eight touchdowns and seven interceptions and losing three fumbles. Though a wrist/thumb injury rather than those lackluster numbers resulted limited him to a backup role in Thursday's 34-3 win over the Raiders, Beathard will lose out on the starting gig mostly as a result of…read more

Could lose starting role to Mullens

Coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't announced his plans at quarterback for the 49ers' Week 10 matchup with the Giants, but Beathard seems unlikely to receive the starting nod over Nick Mullens after the latter's stellar outing in Thursday's 34-3 win over the Raiders, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Listed as questionable heading into the Week 9 contest with wrist and thumb injuries that had made gripping the football in an issue, Beathard was cleared to suit up but was limited to backup duties. That paved the way for Mullens to pick up his first career start, with the 23-year-old acing the assignment while completing 16 of 22 passes for 262 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the resounding win. Considering that Beathard has been a turnover machine (seven interceptions,…read more

Active, but backing up Mullens

Beathard (wrist/thumb) is active for Thursday's game against the Raiders. However, he'll serve as the backup quarterback to fill-in starter Nick Mullens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: In the wake of a Week 8 loss at Arizona, Beathard suffered from a lacking grip due to wrist and thumb injuries to his right hand. The development opened the door for 2017 undrafted free agent Nick Mullens to take his first NFL snap. That said, the 49ers released journeyman QB Tom Savage on Thursday, which leaves Beathard as the only other signal-caller on the gameday roster.

Will be backup QB on Thursday

Beathard (wrist/thumb) is expected to serve as the backup quarterback to Nick Mullens on Thursday against the Raiders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Beathard will take a brief step down on the 49ers depth chart due to his inability to grip a football at the moment. While he won't start the game under center, he'll be the only other QB on the 46-man gameday roster after the 49ers released Tom Savage on Thursday afternoon, meaning Beathard could still make an appearance.

Viewed as '50-50' for Thursday

Beathard (wrist/thumb), who is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Raiders, is considered "truly 50-50" for the contest, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Analysis: As coach Kyle Shanahan noted earlier this week, the injuries to Beathard's throwing hand are still making it difficult for him to grip the football, a troubling development for a player that has already fumbled five times in six games. The 49ers will presumably wait and see if Beathard's condition has improved at all closer to game time before rendering a decision on his availability, but Nick Mullens -- who has yet to attempt a pass in the NFL -- will direct the offense if Beathard isn't…read more

Appears truly questionable for Thursday

Beathard (wrist) participated in Wednesday's walk-through practice and is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Raiders, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The 49ers upgraded Beathard to limited participation on the final injury report after listing him as a non-participant Monday and Tuesday. His wrist injury isn't believed to be serious, but a short week means he'll likely play through soreness and discomfort if he does end up getting the start. Barrows speculates that the 49ers might want to use Beathard's wrist injury as a convenient excuse to look at untested quarterback Nick Mullens in a game situation. It isn't a crazy idea for a team with…read more

Status still murky for Week 9

Beathard acknowledged Wednesday that his right wrist and thumb "are kind of messed up," casting some doubt on his availability for Thursday's game against the Raiders, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Tuesday that Beathard's two injuries have affected the quarterback's ability to grip the football. It appears the second-year signal-caller hasn't demonstrated much progress a day later. The 49ers should provide an update on Beathard's condition as well as an official injury designation for the game following Wednesday's practice, but it's looking more and more likely that the 23-year-old will be sidelined for Week 9. If that's the case, Nick Mullens would likely…read more

Status for Week 9 in question

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that Beathard (wrist) is struggling to hold a football, which is threatening his availability for Thursday's game against the Raiders, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Beathard emerged from Sunday's loss at Arizona with a wrist injury. A decision on Beathard likely will come down to the wire, per Shanahan, but the quarterback is missing back-to-back practices to kick off Week 9 prep, according to Inman. Nick Mullens is the next man up at quarterback in San Francisco.

Tending to wrist injury

Beathard (wrist) was listed as a non-participant on the 49ers' estimated injury report Monday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: There was no word of an injury to Beathard in the aftermath of Sunday's 18-15 loss at Arizona, but he'll enter Week 9 prep with a wrist issue in tow. After tossing for at least 245 yards and two touchdowns in each of his three starts this season, he's been stymied by the Rams and Cardinals in the last two, totaling 360 yards while recording two TDs versus two interceptions. It's unclear if Beathard's status is in peril for Thursday's game against the Raiders, but Nick Mullens and Tom Savage are…read more

Held to 190 yards in loss

Beathard completed 14 of 28 pass attempts for 190 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 18-15 loss to the Cardinals. He also carried five times for nine yards.

Analysis: Beathard struggled to connect with his receivers at times as he completed just 50 percent of his pass attempts on the day. His lone touchdown came on a 55-yard catch and run by Marquise Goodwin, which accounted for a large chunk of his overall output. Beathard did avoid turning the ball over after doing so 10 times in his previous four games, but finding significant positives here proves difficult He'll look to step up his productivity Thursday against the Raiders.

Commits three turnovers versus Rams

Beathard completed 15 of 27 pass attempts for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions during Sunday's 39-10 loss to the Rams. He also carried two times for 13 yards and lost a fumble.

Analysis: Beathard completed just over half the passes he attempted while recording a season low in yardage. His turnovers prevented his team from ever climbing back in the game, including one just before halftime and another in the third quarter that set up a Rams touchdown. Beathard has been a turnover machine since assuming the starting job, throwing seven interceptions to go along with three fumbles in four games. He'll look to improve that aspect of his game next Sunday against the Cardinals.

Throws two touchdowns in loss

Beathard completed 16 of 23 passes for 245 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Monday night's 33-30 loss to the Packers.

Analysis: Beathard enjoyed a great start at Lambeau Field, tossing two touchdowns from 30-plus yards. With Jimmy Garoppolo (knee) injured, Beathard figures to lead the 49ers for the remainder of this season, and has now thrown for two touchdowns in three straight games. While his five interceptions over that same span are cause for concern, Beathard has proven a decent fill-in option for San Francisco while its franchise signal-caller is sidelined.

Mixed bag in loss to Arizona

Beathard completed 34 of 54 passes for 349 yards, with two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions in Sunday's 28-18 loss to Arizona. He also scored a touchdown on the ground, lost two fumbles and was sacked four times.

Analysis: It was truly a mixed bag for Beathard, as he accounted for three touchdowns and four turnovers. His fourth-quarter fumble was returned for a touchdown, essentially ending any hopes the 49ers had at a comeback. Dating back to last year, Beathard's career TD:INT ratio is an ugly 8:10, but at least he's producing from a fantasy perspective. He'll look to put up big numbers again in Week 6 at Green Bay.

Throws two touchdowns in loss

Beathard completed 23 of 37 pass attempts for 298 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in Sunday's 29-27 loss to the Chargers. He added 19 yards on seven carries.

Analysis: Although he can't count on 82-yard touchdowns to the tight end every week, Beathard was surprisingly solid in his first start in place of Jimmy Garoppolo (knee), including a touchdown drive on San Francisco's second possession of the day. The 23-year-old will need to take better care of the ball going forward, however, as his career 6:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio leaves much to be desired. Still, this performance leaves plenty of room for optimism regarding the 49ers offense as a whole as…read more

Confirmed as starter

Head coach Kyle Shanahan affirmed that "C.J.'s our guy" following the announcement that Jimmy Garoppolo (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: Beathard was already expected to start next week against the Chargers, and he will take over for the rest of the year after Garoppolo was diagnosed with a torn ACL. The 23-year-old will have big shoes to fill, but it is worth noting he was hand-picked by San Francisco's current regime in the 2017 draft as the quarterback of the future before the team acquired Garoppolo midseason. Beathard posted 1,430 passing yards (55 completion percentage) with four touchdowns and six interceptions while…read more

Likely in line for starting assignment

Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Beathard as his potential starting quarterback moving forward in the wake of the potential season-ending knee injury suffered Sunday by Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Beathard figures to get the call Week 4 versus the Chargers at a minimum, with the high likelihood he's needed for much longer than that if Garoppolo has suffered a torn ACL as currently feared. Beathard was serviceable after being thrown into the No. 1 job during his rookie 2017 campaign, compiling between 201 and 294 yards in five of six starts while generating a 4:6 TD:INT. The Iowa product also displayed impressive mobility, rushing for more than 20 yards in three of his starts. Beathard…read more

Gets starting nod for Thursday

Beathard will start Thursday's preseason game against the Chargers, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Jimmy Garoppolo will wear street clothes during the exhibition finale. Beathard is the clear-cut No. 2 QB in San Francisco, and he'll mostly play against and with depth players Thursday. The 23-year-old is still a project for the Niners after he played seven games last year, completing 55 percent of his passes for 1,430 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions.

Returns to action

Beathard (foot) completed seven of eight pass attempts for 78 yards in Saturday's preseason tilt against the Colts.

Analysis: Beathard suffered a foot sprain in the 49ers' second preseason game, but his presence in Saturday's contest confirms his good health heading into the regular season. The 23-year-old is a lock to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup this year. With the latter not expected to play in Thursday's preseason finale, Beathard could get some decent run in the club's final tune up against the Chargers.

Remains out of practice

Beathard (foot) didn't practice Tuesday and is considered day-to-day, David Lombardi of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Analysis: Beathard sprained his foot during last week's preseason game against the Texans and hasn't practiced since, but it doesn't appear too serious. QB Jimmy Garoppolo is on track to play the first half of Saturday's exhibition contest against the Colts, but Beathard could be called upon if healthy. If Beathard can't go, expect Nick Mullens to log extra snaps.

Suffers foot sprain

Beathard suffered a foot sprain in Saturday's preseason tilt against the Texans and will be evaluated further Monday, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.

Analysis: There were no reports of an injury after Beathard completed 10 of 17 passes for 82 yards in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo, so the foot injury must have flared up after he left the contest. The 49ers will run tests on the backup quarterback's foot Monday, and Nick Mullens figures to move up the depth chart if Beathard is unable to go next week against the Colts.

Locked in as No. 2 QB

Beathard is secure in his role as the No. 2 quarterback, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: A third-round pick last year, Beathard completed just 54.9 percent of his passes while throwing more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (four), but he did lead the Niners to a Week 10 win over the Giants and partially atoned for the lack of passing production by taking 26 carries for 136 yards and three scores. There's no real competition for the backup job behind Jimmy Garoppolo.

Beathard completed 55 percent of his passes for 1430 yards and four touchdowns to six interceptions in six starts this season.

Analysis: The third-round pick began the year as Brian Hoyer's backup, but he was elevated into a starting role once the 49ers' playoff hopes vanished following an 0-5 start. Beathard struggled mightily in his first three starts against defenses that were able to apply easy pressure against San Francisco's shoddy line, but he was able to salvage his fantasy value with strong production on the ground (136 yards and three rushing touchdowns on 26 attempts). The rookie was able to flash some of the…read more

Beathard will remain in a reserve role this Sunday against the Texans after head coach Kyle Shanahan named Jimmy Garoppolo the starting quarterback on Monday, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.

Analysis: Beathard's recent hip and knee ailments made it easier for the 49ers to give Garoppolo his highly anticipated first start Sunday, which resulted in San Francisco earning its second victory of the season. Although Beathard was available as a backup, Garoppolo's strong showing cemented his starting status for this weekend. Considering Garoppolo's pedigree, it'd be surprising if he didn't start each of San Francisco's four remaining games, likely leaving the rookie Beathard's fantasy value reliant…read more

Beathard (knee/hip) doesn't have a designation on the 49ers' final injury report for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Analysis: As expected, Beathard is healthy enough to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup. Barring an injury or a completely disastrous performance by Garoppolo, the rookie likely will play out the rest of the season in a backup role.

Beathard (knee/hip) was limited in practice Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: A mere spectator Wednesday, Beathard was present during the portion of Thursday's session open to the media, per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. Beathard must participate both Thursday and Friday in order to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup Sunday in Chicago. As a result, Friday's injury report will provide the final word on Beathard's Week 13 availability. In the event Beathard doesn't get the all-clear, the 49ers can elevate undrafted rookie Nick Mullens from the practice squad.

Beathard (knee, hip) didn't practice Wednesday, but he's expected to take part Thursday and Friday as he prepares to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup for Sunday's game in Chicago, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: Beathard is recovering from a knee contusion and a hip strain, both of which are considered minor injuries. It's unclear to what extent those ailments played a role in the decision to make Garoppolo the starter, but there's at least some chance the 49ers will evaluate their quarterback situation on a week-to-week basis the rest of the year. It thus won't come as any surprise if Beathard gets another opportunity, though he'll only be available in a backup capacity this weekend.

Set for reserve duty Sunday

Beathard (knee/hip) will be relegated to a reserve role Sunday in Chicago after head coach Kyle Shanahan named Jimmy Garoppolo the starting quarterback for the contest.

Analysis: Beathard suffered a knee contusion and hip strain in the late stages of Sunday's defeat to the Seahawks. allowing Garoppolo to make his first appearance as a 49er. Garoppolo proceeded to lead the offense to its only touchdown of the day with 1:07 left on the clock and 23 yards from the end zone. Prior to Beathard's departure, Shanahan had been steadfast in his support of the rookie, despite much perceived progress statistically or otherwise, As a result, Garoppolo may just be a placeholder for…read more

Bruises knee, strains hip

Beathard sustained a bruised knee and strained hip during Sunday's 24-13 loss to the Seahawks, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports. "It was good news, nothing serious or long-term," head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. "We'll look into it more tomorrow."

Analysis: Under the direction of Beathard, the 49ers have averaged a meager 16.3 points per game across six appearances, but Shanahan has nonetheless been pleased by his improvement from week to week. Having the confidence of his boss is likely one reason Beathard has been able to fend off Jimmy Garoppolo for as long as he has. The double whammy of ailments could turn the quarterback depth chart on its head, at least in the short term, if Beathard isn't able to practice this week. Expect a decision to…read more

Believes he avoided ligament tear

Beathard (leg) doesn't think he tore any ligaments, saying his injury could just be a bone bruise, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Beathard will have an MRI on Monday, after exiting Sunday's 24-13 loss to the Seahawks with about a minute remaining in the game. He struggled prior to the injury, completing 22 of 38 passes for 201 yards and an interception. Even if his early optimism is confirmed and all ligaments are intact, Beathard wouldn't necessarily be healthy enough to play Week 13 in Chicago. He mentioned after the game that he also felt pain in his hip, Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle reports. Jimmy…read more

May have serious leg injury

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that Beathard may have suffered a serious leg injury in Sunday's 24-13 loss to the Seahawks, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports. "I've got a lot of respect for how [Beathard] plays," said Shanahan. "He gets better each week and hopefully (the injury) is not as bad as it looked"

Analysis: Beathard was pulled after taking a big hit with about one minute left in the game, finishing 22-of-38 passing for 201 yards with no touchdowns and one interceptions. He did add 21 yards on six carries, but he also took three sacks and didn't lead the Niners to any points until their eighth drive of the game. Jimmy Garoppolo came in for the final three snaps and completed both of his pass attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown. The ongoing quarterback debate would quickly become a moot point if…read more

Beathard completed 22 of 38 yards for 201 yards and an interception during Sunday's 24-13 loss to Seattle. He added 21 yards rushing on six carries.

Analysis: The biggest sequence of the game for Beathard came in the closing moments of Sunday's action where Beathard was taken out after a tough hit. Trade-acquisition Jimmy Garoppolo promptly threw a touchdown in relief. The 49ers staff has been slow to go with Garoppolo since trading a second-round pick to New England and Beathard was coming off a three-touchdown game against the Giants, but this will be Garoppolo's team sooner or later. Depending on Beathard's health, the time frame might creep up.

Beathard (thumb) wasn't listed on the 49ers' injury report Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Analysis: Beathard has benefited from the 49ers' Week 11 bye, taking every first-team practice rep Wednesday over Jimmy Garoppolo. With his thumb injury a thing of the past, Beathard will continue to serve as the starting quarterback Sunday against the Seahawks and beyond.

Getting another start

Beathard (thumb) will start Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: San Francisco general manager John Lynch spoke in support Beathard on Tuesday, and head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Wednesday that the rookie will receive at least one more start. Beathard will face a Seahawks defense that actually looks a bit vulnerable sans Richard Sherman (Achilles) and Kam Chancellor (neck). Even so, the 49ers are still expected to take a look at Jimmy Garoppolo for at least one or two games before the end of the season.

The 49ers haven't decided on a starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, but general manager John Lynch seemingly vouched his support for Beathard (thumb) on Tuesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports. "You watch the way C.J. Beathard played the other day, he looked like he could be the guy. That's a good issue," Lynch added.

Analysis: Lynch also spoke well of Beathard's challenger for the starting role, Jimmy Garoppolo, stating that the newly acquired quarterback is "going to be our guy" rather than an asset the team would look to trade away in the offseason. With that in mind, it still seems likely that Garoppolo will unseat Beathard before the season is out, but Lynch said that he would leave the Week 12 starting decision up to head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is expected to reveal his choice Wednesday. Beathard's numbers…read more

Nursing injury to right thumb

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Beathard, who injured his right thumb during Sunday's victory over the Giants, underwent further testing that did not reveal any fractures, Nick Wagoner of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Beathard doesn't seem to be dealing with a significant injury and has over a week off to rest thanks to the 49ers' Week 11 bye. However, Shanahan was non-committal on naming his starting quarterback for the Week 12 game against the Seahawks, which suggests there's legitimate uncertainty surrounding Beathard's impending availability. If the rookie ultimately doesn't recover in time, Jimmy Garoppolo would likely take over under center.

Beathard completed 19 of 25 pass attempts for 288 yards, two touchdowns and one interception Sunday against the Giants. He also carried five times for 15 yards and a touchdown in the 31-21 win.

Analysis: Beathard an impressive 76 percent of his passes while averaging a healthy 11.5 yards per attempt. He connected with Marquise Goodwin in an 83-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter and hit Garrett Celek for a 47-yard score just before the half. Beathard posted a solid yardage total for the second straight week and has now scored rushing touchdowns in three of his last four starts. Despite his improvement of late, the rookie could very well lose the starting gig to the newly-acquired Jimmy…read more

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Friday that Beathard will start Sunday's contest against the Giants, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Beathard will fend off Jimmy Garoppolo for another week, but at some point the 49ers will see what they have with their new signal caller. In the meantime, though, Beathard will focus on a Giants defense that has conceded at least three touchdown passes in four of the last five games.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan expects Beathard to start Sunday's game against the Giants, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: The 49ers acquired Jimmy Garappolo from the Patriots last week, setting in motion a changing of the guard at quarterback. Shanahan appears to be playing it safe until Garappolo has a better understanding of the offense, but he also would like to see the new signal caller take the field "hopefully sooner than later." Until Shanahan decides to pull the plug on Beathard, the rookie will prepare for the Giants, who have given up the fourth-most passing yards per game (265.3) this season.