SANTA CLARA – Quarterback Nick Mullens was given no assurances that he will remain the starter beyond the 49ers’ game Monday night against the New York Giants.
But coach Kyle Shanahan said it was easy to see that he earned at least a second start based on how he performed last Thursday against the Raiders.
“Everyone saw the way he played,” Shanahan said on Thursday. “I don’t think it was too tough of a decision. Our team played really well and he played well, so it was going to be hard not to give him that opportunity.”
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It is clear that Shanahan still has a high opinion of C.J. Beathard, though he acknowledged the second-year pro needed a break after making five winless starts this season. Mullens took over for Beathard last week after Beathard missed practice time on a short week due to right wrist and thumb injuries.
“I think C.J. started off well and I think he went through a tough stretch,” Shanahan said. “I think it is good for him to sit back and get fully healthy and heal up and watch someone else do it. He’s only a play away from getting in. So he’ll be ready.”
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Shanahan emphasized that he expects Beathard to overcome a rocky beginning to his NFL career. In 10 starts with Beathard, the 49ers are 1-9. He has thrown 12 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.
San Francisco 49ers
“I feel the same about C.J. now that I always have,” Shanahan said. “I get that we’d love better results and love for his record to be better. C.J. did some really good things that are very encouraging to show his ability, that he can play in this league.
“Then, he had some games that weren’t as good. I don’t put that all on C.J. I put that on our entire team. There are things he could’ve done better, but I believe C.J. has the ability to play in this league and I think he has shown that.”
Shanahan referenced Kirk Cousins’ slow start as a starter with Washington. Cousins went 1-7 in his first eight starts with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
“C.J.’s story is not over,” Shanahan said. “He has the ability, he has the toughness, he has the mind, to be a very successful quarterback in this league. Don’t let other people tell you it’s over because it hasn’t gone the way you wanted it.”