4 reasons 49ers must stick to starting Trey Lance, not Jimmy Garoppolo

Reason No. 1: An injured Jimmy Garoppolo is still a 49ers liability

Without trying to play the role of a doctor, let’s try briefly describing what happened with Jimmy Garoppolo suffered his thumb injury back against the Tennessee Titans.

Kyle Shanahan mentioned it was a thumb sprain, damaging the UCL ligament that helps stabilize the thumb. But subsequent reports also suggested it was a fracture, also leading to further breakdowns from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Garoppolo would require offseason surgery:

"In fact, sources say that Garoppolo is expected to have surgery following the season to repair the torn ligament and chipped bone in the thumb on his throwing hand. In rare times, these types of injuries can heal on their own, but sources say this is not the type that can. He is expected to make a full recovery."

Grip strength is key here. While Garoppolo might be able to do mundane tasks like opening a water bottle, properly gripping and delivering a football with accuracy is another matter altogether.

Garoppolo’s accuracy was in question both before and after he suffered that injury against the Titans, tossing two interceptions and nearly a third during the game.

Considering San Francisco is 1-6 when Garoppolo tosses an interception this season, any pick tossed from this point onward would almost assuredly result in the end of the 49ers’ campaign this year.