GREEN BAY, Wisc. – 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has wanted to bring in a third quarterback since Jimmy Garoppolo's season-ending injury, but the organization has held off because of a shortage of healthy players at other positions. When the 49ers determine the time is right, the player the club will add is free-agent Tom Savage, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area.
Savage and Matt Simms were the quarterbacks who stood out to the 49ers when workouts were held two days after Garoppolo sustained a torn ACL in his left knee in a Week 3 game at Kansas City. The 49ers determined Savage would get the call because he has the most experience. Savage, 28, started seven games for the Houston Texans last season.
Savage saw action with the Texans in three seasons, appearing in 13 games with nine starts. He completed 57.5 percent of his passes for 2,000 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.
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SIGN UP HERE Savage would come to the 49ers as the No. 3 quarterback, and he would not be active on game days behind starter C.J. Beathard and backup Nick Mullens, as long as both players remain healthy.