Why Jerry Rice believes 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo is ready to ‘blossom'

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SAN FRANCISCO – The greatest wide receiver in NFL history believes 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has a winning supporting cast.

“I think they’re playing, they’re winning, by committee,” Hall of Famer Jerry Rice said on The 49ers Insider Podcast during a promotion for Rice-A-Roni and Pasta-A-Roni.

“Deebo Samuel, I think he’s that go-to guy. This guy, he catches the football. He’s very physical. He goes across the middle. He does everything, and he doesn’t shy away. I think these guys are going to continue to put up numbers, and I think Jimmy G is going to feed them.”

Samuel, Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, Richie James and Kendrick Bourne comprise a young and promising group of receivers. Jalen Hurd, a third-round draft pick, is working back after missing more than a month with a stress reaction in his back. Slot receiver Trent Taylor is expected back in the second half of the season after experiencing complications from foot surgery.

Tight end George Kittle is the team’s top target in the passing game, and Rice said he believes the wideouts can succeed in complementary roles.

“Everything goes around Kittle,” Rice said. “If you take him away, those other guys are going to have to make plays. And I’m sure they’re looking forward to their opportunity.”

Garoppolo will make his first career start on "Monday Night Football" this coming week when the 49ers play host to the Cleveland Browns at Levi’s Stadium in Week 5.

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The young quarterback will make his fourth regular-season start upon returning from a torn ACL that ended his 2018 season. Rice sustained a torn ACL in the 1997 season opener. He returned late in the season, but sustained a broken kneecap while making a touchdown catch.

The best seasons of Rice’s career after the knee injury came in 2001 and ’02 when he combined to pull in 175 receptions for 2,350 yards and 16 touchdowns. He believes Garoppolo has a lot of good years ahead of him.

“You’re going to see this guy blossom,” Rice said of Garoppolo. “He’s going to get better and better. After coming off that injury, it takes a while to really start feeling comfortable back there in that pocket again. But I think he’s getting there now, and you’re going to see great football.”

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