49ers’ Kyle Shanahan provides timeline on potential Jimmy Garoppolo return

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is making progress in his return from a broken foot. However, whether or not he returns at any point during the playoffs remains up in the air.

“It was the first week he was able to come out on the field, walk around a little bit, do some work out there,” head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Friday.

Garoppolo was just working through his rehab, the coach said. Of course, reporters seeing the injured quarterback prompted questions about his timeline for a return. Could Garoppolo potentially be ready to suit up—likely as Brock Purdy’s backup—for the NFC Championship, assuming the 49ers make it past the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday?

“I’d be surprised, but I think it depends on how this whole weekend goes and stuff,” Shanahan responded. “But I think it’s an outside chance.”

What about a return for the Super Bowl—again, assuming the 49ers take care of business these next two weeks?

“I think there would be a better chance then,” Shanahan said.

Garoppolo suffered his injury during Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. He is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. The 49ers host the Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Garoppolo is one of two players (the other is cornerback Ambry Thomas due to an ankle injury) ruled out for the game.