Shanahan confirms 49ers will sign QB Johnson to practice squad

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The 49ers have a question mark at quarterback.

With Jimmy Garoppolo on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, backup Nick Mullens got the start Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers. Mullens was ineffective, throwing for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Most of those yards came in garbage time and the Packers dropped at least two more interceptions as the Packers rolled to a 34-17 win.

As Kyle Shanahan tries to find a quarterback to lead the team in Garoppolo's absence, the 49ers will sign veteran journeyman Josh Johnson, Kyle Shanahan confirmed during his press conference Friday.

Johnson, 34, was a member of the 49ers' practice squad in 2012 and 2014. He has not NFL action since 2018 when he started three games for Washington.

In his career, Johnson has completed 55.2 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, eight touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

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Mullens and C.J. Beathard will compete to be the starter in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, but it's clear coach Kyle Shanahan knows he isn't set at the position.

The 4-5 49ers have more than $80 million of salary cap space on injured reserve and are sinking fast with Garoppolo and others unable to aid in a turnaround.

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