49ers QB C.J. Beathard could miss game with injured wrist
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard missed practice with an injured right wrist that could keep him out of Thursday night's game against the Oakland Raiders.
"His wrist hurts," coach Kyle Shanahan said. "He's struggling today to hold a ball. So, we'll see how he is tomorrow."
Beathard got hurt in the second quarter of a loss on Sunday at Arizona when he hit his hand on a helmet. He stayed in the game and finished 14 for 28 for 190 yards and a touchdown, falling to 1-9 in his career as a starter, including losses in all five starts this season.
"I definitely felt it during the game," Beathard said. "I felt it when it happened. But, I think with adrenaline going, I don't think it was affecting the way I was throwing the ball."
Shanahan said he believed Beathard would be able to play if the game this week were on Sunday but doesn't know if he'll be ready on the short week for the 49ers (1-7). Beathard remained hopeful he'll be able to go, otherwise the Niners will turn to untested Nick Mullens.
Mullens joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent last year after breaking all of Brett Favre's records in college at Southern Mississippi. He earned himself a practice squad spot.
Mullens played well in the preseason this year and got promoted to the active roster following a season-ending knee injury to starter Jimmy Garoppolo in September.
"Nick comes in there, moves the chains, competes hard, made some plays with his legs and his arm," Shanahan said. "Guys believe in him and he's as competitive and confident as a guy I've been around. If he needs to play this week, he'll be on it."
Mullens has not taken an NFL snap and has worked mostly with the scout team in practice.
Mullens won't get much practice time this week either if he plays, with the Niners holding only a walkthrough on Tuesday and then a light practice Wednesday before playing the game.
"That's the challenge of being a backup, you don't get a lot of reps but you have to keep mentally sharp throughout the week," Mullens said. "You have to play the game in your head before it actually plays out. That's kind of what I've done each week."
The only other quarterback on the roster is Tom Savage, who is still learning the offense after being signed earlier this month.
The 49ers are dealing with several injuries during this short week with backup strong safety Antone Exum already ruled out for the game with a concussion.
Starter Jaquiski Tartt also could miss the game with a shoulder injury and linebacker Reuben Foster also missed practice with a hamstring injury. Several other players were limited, including running back Matt Breida (ankle), CB Richard Sherman (calf, heel), T Joe Staley (ankle), C Weston Richburg (knee), WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder, knee), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle) and G Mike Person (ankle).
San Francisco made two roster moves Tuesday by waiving receiver Victor Bolden Jr. and defensive back Greg Mabin, who started at cornerback two weeks ago against the Rams. Those moves clear roster spots if the 49ers decide to activate strong safety Marcell Harris and linebacker Dekoda Watson from injured reserve.
