Garoppolo explains his struggles this season: “We had a completely different team.”

Posted By on October 26, 2018

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Jimmy Garoppolo spoke  to the media Friday for the first time since he tore his ACL. Here’s a transcript.

Q: What have the last few weeks been like for you?

GAROPPOLO: It has been different, obviously. Different schedule and everything. Just trying to get this knee back to normal, get all the swelling out and get the movement going.

Q: How much in the days after did you spend second-guessing what you did during that play when you tore your ACL?

GAROPPOLO: Initially, you think about the stuff. You think of every situation possible, plays before, all that stuff. Eventually, you get to a point where you have to accept it and start moving on.

Q: What did the MRI reveal? Was there any other damage besides the ACL?

GAROPPOLO: Yeah, there were a couple little things, nothing too serious. The ACL was the only one that got torn, so that was a good sign. They fixed up a couple little things. It has been going really good. The stitches are out, the scar healed up quickly so we can move on to the pool stuff and really move forward right now.

Q: Is there a prognosis as far as when you’re off the crutches and able to throw?

GAROPPOLO: We have only talked about the crutches so far. I’ve got like two more weeks, something like that, then I can start walking again. Looking forward to that. But, as far as throwing as stuff, it’s kind of a feel thing they keep telling me. It’s just how you progress through the process.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of this?

GAROPPOLO: The crutches. It sucks. But, the overall acceptance of it initially. It was tough. I’ve never had a serious injury like this. It’s different. But, we’re very positive now. I’ve got Jet (Jerick McKinnon) going through it with me. We’re kind of helping one another. It’s good.

Q: How helpful has it been having someone to go through this with?

GAROPPOLO: I’d never wish it on anybody, but it’s nice having Jet there with me. We do very similar exercises. He’s a little ahead of me now. I’m trying to play a little catch up with him. It’s nice to have someone there with you the whole time.

Q: How have you been able to contribute to the team during this?

GAROPPOLO: I try to go to as many meetings as I can. Obviously, our schedules are a little different with the rehab and stuff like that. Any input that I can put in to help the guys. If they have any questions at all, I try to be as helpful as I can. Just be a positive reinforcement in the locker room.

Q: What’s it like for you to watch game day now?

GAROPPOLO: It’s strange. The first couple, I was down in LA watching them on the couch. The last one, I got to sit in the box and watch it. It’s a completely different perspective. You feel like a coach almost. It’s little things like that where I try to find silver linings of how I could take advantage of this extra time. I never will be given time like this again. You have to take advantage of what you’re given.

Q: Are you looking forward to seeing how you come back from this?

GAROPPOLO: Yeah. It will be a good test, for sure. It’s a long process, so you can’t look too far ahead and start thinking about things that don’t matter right now. Just staying locked in every day trying to get better. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s a long process, and if we keep getting better every day we’ll be OK.

Q: Do you think you need to play more cautiously in the future?

GAROPPOLO: I’ve always been pretty cautious. That was kind of the freak accident of the play. I don’t know if it was instinct or what to cut back like that, but it is what it is. Your style of play, this maybe will alter it initially, but eventually everybody keeps telling me you’ll get back to how your legs were before, just as strong if not stronger. It’s all about putting in the work right now, coming back stronger than I was before, mentally being better and just overall being better.

Q: Some people say you’re injury prone because you’ve played 10 games in the NFL and separated your shoulder and torn your ACL. Does that annoy you?

GAROPPOLO: No. If someone is saying I’m injury prone, they don’t really know what they’re talking about. I’ve played sports my whole life and have only had two injuries. It’s weird. I’m not used to it, that’s for sure. It’s not something I want to get used to. I want to be out there with the guys battling, preparing throughout the week. We’ll get back there next year.

Q: Is there any other way you can contribute now? Do you have conversations with C.J.?

GAROPPOLO: I try to. You have to pick your spots because you’re not out on the field putting in the time like these guys are. Whenever he has a question, or if I see something that sticks out that I could help him with, I’ll try to do whatever I can.

Q: What was different about your three starts this year? You went 1-2 and things didn’t go as smoothly as they did last year.

GAROPPOLO: We had a completely different team.  Every year, it’s going to be different. It’s an up and down battle. There are going to be good games, there are going to be bad games, but it’s disappointing that I didn’t get to see this year all the way through. Like I said before, just coming back stronger next year is the main thing now.

Q: Will you be able to make progress with the offense even standing on the sideline and listening to the headset?

GAROPPOLO: Yeah. I’m trying to approach it as a coach almost. You could do all the mental stuff the same as you did before, if not more because you have more time now, and then during the game, you’re not out there. You’re seeing it all from the press box or on TV. It’s a different perspective, but I’m trying to use it to my advantage.

Q: You had a bird’s-eye view of the last game. Was there anything that jumped out to you from that vantage point?

GAROPPOLO: I’ve never watched the defense, because you’re always on the sideline preparing for the next (drive). So, watching them, it was different. I’m still new to it, I guess.

This article has 64 Comments

  1. Aw, c’mon Grant, you didn’t even ask him if he still thinks he’s a better QB than Tom Brady?

    1. Jimmy will come back … and as good as new …. too !

      ( hope so … I’ve got a $100 jersey riding on it ) … ;-]

  6. What’s worse, Trump’s allies had been speculating without evidence that the failed bombings — which exclusively targeted Trump antagonists — were actually part of a “false flag” leftist plot to make Republicans look unhinged.

    Instead, Florida police arrested a man, Cesar Sayoc, who appears to be an unhinged Republican partisan. Photos showed Sayoc’s white van covered in pro-Trump and anti-CNN stickers.

    The van was festooned with pictures of prominent Democrats with cross hairs over their faces and a sticker reading, “I am Donald Trump and I approve this message.” Photos soon surfaced online of the suspect attending a recent Trump rally in Florida.

    Ha Ha…….

    1. And this concludes our course titled, “How to be dbag 101.”
      This is not a political board. Leave that crap at the cnn or fox website. Especially when it’s completely unprovoked.

      2. I get it, since you’ve been brainwashed to think anything trump is political, we should go with your point of view and only talk about what you want to hear….

        ……the post was about the state of the country we live in….yes the country that host this your Mecca sport site…..God forbid we try to reach out to the ignorant ones and keep telling them what a mistake and how dangerous the trump propaganda is….

        Let’s keep it real

        you don’t like him because you love America, you love him because he speaks the hate inside you…….

        The fact you couldn’t just ignore the truth confirms it hurts..

        1. One, I come here to escape politics. While I admit to writing some missives, it is usually in response to some other poster starting the ball rolling.
          .
          I also wish to criticize your disparaging remarks about Razor. While we may be diametrically opposed politically, I certainly know that Razor loves this country just as much as I do. It was an insult to lump him in with D5K.
          .
          We are confronted with an election that may change America. I kindly suggest you do your talking in the voting booth.
          .
          Now, back to football….. Ward may be a sound option, but I like him better as a CB. DJ Reed may be the better option as the FS.

          1. I don’t know if Darren has gone to a trump rally in person. Razor happily announced here he had dragged his family to one. So yeah, I’m lumping them together. You know, no politics here unless it’s your politics, right?

              1. You’re right Raz, the only thing I know is what you’ve said here. Can I help it if what you said is you all went to a MAGA rally?

              3. You have to be way left to think that Trump is El Douché?

                The left is going to be in opposition because, well that’s what the left is/ does. I’m much more impressed with Republicans who haven’t drunk the koolaid – the Steve Schmidts, the Max Boots, dare I say Bill Kristol. If any of those ran for President in 2020 I’d seriously consider giving them the vote

              2. Hammer, no but apparently it’s illegal to go to one of his rallies and then if you go with your family, it’s because you forced them to….

            3. So the wife and kids went willingly Raz? Tells me more than I need to know.

              Illegal? No. But if you like cheering prisonment for those who have no charges brought against them, whose only “crime” is that that in are opposition to the President and his politics and rhetoric, then go for it.

              Seb, you say this guy loves the country, eh? Which country?

              1. Seb is an idiot you should never take him serious…..Razor on the other hand is a spork…..with all his #Iknwitall knowledge, he his easily fooled by the dark side

              2. Rib, the United States of America. He even served, being willing to die for his country.
                .
                I hope we can look past our differences, and acknowledge our commonalities. Once we understand each other, maybe the hate can be abated.
                .
                Razor is a genius compared to a troglodyte like D5K. There is no comparison.
                .
                Oneniner is afflicted with catfishes, too.

    1. I told you the Glinch would be golden! Maybe Hammer and Cohn will finally get onboard the Glinch express bound for the Pro Bowl….

      1. A few things….All of the run plays highlighted by DeSimone were with the defensive player on an inside shade with the exception of the one where he pulls outside, those are easy angles for McGlinchey. He struggles to get a seal to the edge anytime the player lines up in an outside shade. That’s somewhat typical across the board though because it’s a more difficult block to begin with.

        Second…when did Ingram become the Chargers best rusher?

        McGlinchey is about where I thought he’d be. He caught a few breaks early on with injuries to better competition, but we’ve seen him struggle recently as the level of the player across from him has improved.

        He just needs to keep getting after it. I’ve said this a few times recently, Kittle and McGlinchey are really the only two draft hits of the Shanahan/Lynch regime.

        1. I wouldn’t call McGlinchey a hit yet, but he has talent. He’ll be a hit if he successfully transitions to left tackle.

        3. Kittle and the Glinch are the two that so far this season have looked like they have the ability to be very good players. If that is what you mean by a “hit”, then sure, I agree.

      1. You know Sebbie… you’ve been calling 24-23 for quite some time. Are you a bot?

        1. Cassie, I am surprised. This was a perfect Groundhog moment. You seem to be slipping.
          .
          No, I just want the Niners to win, even if only by one point.

    1. Not when he hasn’t played at the position so far this season.
      Regardless of whether Ward or Reed play at FS, I think the team needs to address the position in the off-season.

            1. Injury prone as well. It’s going to be hard to attract free agents this year unless we overspend and I don’t loke that idea with old vets.

              1. “It’s going to be hard to attract free agents this year unless we overspend”

                That’s the same as the past offseason and usually the case when it comes to FA. Agree with you on Thomas though. This team doesn’t need more old guys coming off injuries.

                “I think the entire secondary needs to be addressed. All four positions.”

                This is a problem considering the draft capital they’ve spent the last 2 years and also the money in FA.

              3. Maybe these next 9 games Spoon, Moore, Reed will be able to get some valuable experience and emerge.
                It’s still a draft and develop plan so these guys can still turn into NFL starters. Otherwise this next draft which is deep at pass rush and corners and safeties will help.

              4. We don’t have a natural FS on the team. I think we all agree Colbert is a back up. Unless you plan on a rookie coming in and taking the job, I’d get Thomas until it gets sorted. I’m happy with the old grizzled veteran, Sherman’s performance and availability thus far….

              5. Razor to me, the best ability is availability.
                If you can’t play you are no use to me.
                I have a hard time with guys that are injury prone or ageing vets trying to hang on and injuries prevent them from playing at a high level again. Well see how the rest of the year goes.

              6. Prime, Sherman’s only missed 2 games, right? He plays hurt too. He’s been a good pick up for mine.

              7. Thomas would be a good pickup. Still too many needs to be able to fill them all with high draft picks. Thomas is a natural fit and allows them to use their top picks on other positions.

              8. “Sherman hasn’t worked out for you guys?”

                Is this team going to be a playoff contender in 2019?

              9. Thomas has now broken his left leg twice in less than 2 years.

                Pass

                It’s not smart business to go after guys 30+ coming off injuries.

              10. He was still playing at an elite level, and he has shown he can come back from these types of injuries before. He’s 30, which is definitely up in years, but is young enough to still be very good for a few more years. This time I believe he will have a rod inserted which should reduce the chance of re-injury.

                Probably a moot point anyway. He’ll likely be a Cowboy.

              11. I agree with Hammer here. Thomas wants to be paid and at his age and health history now, he is not a great choice. Talent wise maybe, long term no.

                We need to continue drafting and developing. If there are other options in free agency that are younger and cheaper, we should explore.

              13. Thomas wouldn’t be a long term addition. He would be a guy that helps transition the D for a few years. Not every player on the roster needs to be a long term prospect.

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