Kyle Shanahan: Nick Mullens “likely” starter for 49ers at QB vs. Giants

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that backup quarterback Nick Mullens will “most likely” start on Sunday vs. the New York Giants. Starter Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a high ankle sprain last Sunday against the New York Jets and was listed as ‘Did Not Participate’ on the team’s Wednesday practice report.

“I’d be surprised if Jimmy (Garoppolo) is ready, I know he’s still trying to hold out hope. We’ll see there at the end of the week, but right now we’re going as if Nick is playing,” Shanahan said.

The San Francisco coach was asked about two other topics of interest — Devonta Freeman and the MetLife Stadium turf.

Freeman was a mainstay in Atlanta when Shanahan was Falcons’ offensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016.

“They’re (Giants) getting a hell of a player and a hell of a guy,” Shanahan said. “I love (RB Devonta Freeman), hell of a pickup for you guys at this time of year. He’s a really good runner, he’s really good out of the backfield as a receiver and a great teammate to have around.”

San Francisco players have been complaining about the MetLife turf after playing on it Sunday when a number of injuries occurred. The coach seems to have left that issue behind.

“I’ve moved on for my own self,” he said. I” know they have some professionals looking at it today, I think, from the NFL and NFLPA, so we’ll see what they tell us when they get back. Besides that, it’s pretty ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for myself.”

Injury report

Giants

Limited
DB Adrian Colbert (Quad)

Full
LB Carter Coughlin (Hamstring)

49ers

Did Not Participate
RB Tevin Coleman (Knee)
DE Dee Ford (Back)
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Ankle)
RB Raheem Moster (Knee)

Limited
LB Dre Greenlaw (Quad)
TE George Kittle (Knee)

Full
CB Jason Verrett (Hamstring)