49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo injured his thumb in Week 16 and is now very questionable for Week 17. Rookie Trey Lance is available on waivers in most fantasy football leagues. What is Garoppolo’s injury outlook for this coming weekend, and if he sits, is Lance a top-priority waiver wire add if you need a potential QB1 — or to block your opponent?
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Week 17 injury outlook
The timing of Garoppolo’s injury couldn’t be worse for the 30-year-old passer, who in recent weeks has strengthened his grip on the 49ers’ starting QB job. Although he’s only 20th in the league in pass attempts and tied for 15th in passing touchdowns in this run-friendly offense, he’s done enough to help guide San Francisco to a 5-2 record in their previous seven games. He’s also No. 2 in yards per pass attempt (8.5) and eighth in QB rating among current starters.
But this past Sunday, he broke a bone in his right thumb, which happens to be connected to his right hand, which (not coincidentally) is connected to his right arm, which he uses to throw the ball. He also tore the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in this thumb. The UCL ligament aids in pinching and gripping activities.
For some of us, that might mean asking a friend to remove our dinner from our microwave and set it carefully on a tray table in front of our TV. But NFL quarterbacks can’t ask friends to help throw footballs.
I would be very surprised if Jimmy G. returns for Sunday’s must-win (and very winnable) home game against Houston. Whether you’re in a 2QB league or a deep 1QB league, I strongly urge you to prepare a backup plan.
Should you add Trey Lance off the waiver wire?
That’s a good segue to Garoppolo’s QB teammate. Lance was one of my favorite must-draft QBs in deeper leagues this summer, mostly because I (wrongly) suspected Garoppolo would not do enough to keep the starting job. Lance’s college track record is sparse, but what we saw was enough to warrant attention. He’s one of the most gifted dual-threat quarterbacks in the game. I believe he’ll be a top-five fantasy QB before his career’s over.
For now, with Garoppolo deeply questionable for Week 17, Lance is a must-add off the waiver wire. For example, in my 14-team league, I’m playing for the championship against an opponent who is stacked at every position except QB. Who does he have? Jimmy G. In addition to Lance, the only potential Week 17 QB starters available on waivers are Zach Wilson, Teddy Bridgewater, Jared Goff, Davis Mills, Cam Newton, Trevor Lawrence, Mike Glennon, and Jake Fromm.
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Given talent levels, surrounding personnel, and matchups, Lance has the highest upside of this group. In his one start this season against Arizona, he completed only 15 passes on 29 attempts for 192 yards and an interception. But he also ran for 89 yards, giving him 14.6 fantasy points despite the fact George Kittle was sidelined. One week earlier, in relief of Garoppolo against Seattle, Lance racked up 20.4 fantasy points — in only one half.
Don’t tell my opponent, but I’m going to block him and pick up Lance, forcing him to take a QB2/3 off waivers. Hey, we do what we have to do. And I suggest you do the same. Lance is a special talent, and at home against Houston, he could be elite.
