49ers fear Garoppolo suffered ACL injury

Jimmy Garoppolo is carted off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

The 49ers fear quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered an ACL injury while trying to lead a comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game. 

Garoppolo will have an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. 

While trying to lead a comeback in the fourth quarter, rather than go out of bounds, Garoppolo tried to extend the play and took a big hit from Chiefs Steven Nelson. The quarterback was carted off the field.

He completed 20 of 30 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the 38-27 loss. 

The injury could be a massive blow to the 49ers offense if Garoppolo misses any length of time. He represented the center of the team’s turnaround. The 49ers signed Garoppolo to a five-year, $137.5 million contract this last offseason.  

If Garoppolo is unable to play next week against the Chargers, C.J. Beathard would likely start as quarterback, unless the 49ers front office decides to explore a trade or free agency.