Jimmy Garoppolo should be cleared for training camp, Kyle Shanahan says

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PHOENIX -- Jimmy Garoppolo is on schedule with his ACL rehabilitation and should be cleared for full participation at the start of training camp, according to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.

The 49ers QB has been on the practice field working out with the training staff and looks to be ready for the offseason program. Shanahan is able to watch his quarterback’s throwing sessions from his office window in Santa Clara.

“It’s very controlled movements and stuff,” Shanahan said Tuesday at the NFL owners meeting. “When he does all that it does look very good, which means he’s getting closer. And that’s why hopefully it will be full-go for training camp and I think we will get a lot of work with him in OTAs also.”

Garoppolo is expected to be limited to participation in 7-on-7 drills during OTAs to reduce the risk of injury. He is on schedule to be on the field for 11-on-11s during training camp, which opens in late-July.

49ers CEO Jed York is understandably excited after watching Garoppolo on the practice field. He also indicated that his quarterback had added a little weight to his frame since he had seen him last.

Shanahan said a little bulking up is a natural phenomenon during the offseason, especially for players who have injuries that prevent them from running.

“I’ve always been good with Jimmy’s size,” Shanahan said. “I think he’s always been thicker than people realize. To me, it’s all about just how can you take a hit. It’s not like lifting weights and doing that stuff makes you throw farther, it actually can be the opposite.

“Quarterbacks, you want them to be a size where they can take the hits, and after that you want them to be as athletic as possible.”

Shanahan’s expectations for Garoppolo are realistic, but he admits that it’s difficult to not get a little excited after watching him throw with the training staff.

“It’s a tease for us because we look out our windows and he’s doing drops and throwing great to the equipment managers and trainers,” Shanahan said. “So I’m sure Jed’s up there thinking he can play, and I do too at times, but no one is running at him trying to tackle him and stuff.”

Players are not allowed to engage in football activity with each other at the team facility before the start of the offseason program on April 15. However, Garoppolo is allowed to rehab and work out with the team's newly-revamped player health and performance staff.

[RELATED: Jed York says he punched a wall after Garoppolo tore his ACL]

While Shanahan is ready to start working with Garoppolo, he knows that patience is key. He said it will be a process for Garoppolo to shake off the rust and get into a rhythm after sitting out nearly the entire season. Having Garoppolo get all the reps possible during OTAs and training camp will be extremely valuable to the 49ers' success heading into 2019.

So Shanahan -- and 49ers fans alike -- remain patient but optimistic.

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