49ers’ biggest disappointments over course of 2022 season

Disappointment No. 2: Jimmy Garoppolo’s tenure with 49ers is likely over

Speaking of Jimmy Garoppolo, one could make the argument his 2022 campaign was the best of his pro career.

After all, he was instrumental in helping get the 49ers offense back on track after a lackluster start and amid handling what was an awkward offseason with nothing but class.

Statistically, Garoppolo was great. He had a 4-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio with 16 touchdowns thrown against four interceptions, and his interception percentage over 11 games played was only 1.3, the lowest it had ever been in his career as a starter.

His passer rating of 103.0, meanwhile, was the highest it had ever been since joining the Niners back in 2017.

Now, with Garoppolo shelved with an ankle injury, there seem to be questions about whether he’ll be available for the playoffs. One report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested a return during the divisional round, while another from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Garoppolo would be out longer than that.

If the latter is true, Garoppolo likely won’t return to San Francisco in 2023 unless it’s in a starter’s role, and it’s just as probable his days on the field with the 49ers are now over.

Disappointing way to go out, yes.