The 49ers have a QB controversy

It’s safe to say most of us probably did not see a quarterback controversy emerging after Jimmy Garoppolo got hurt. Nobody is challenging Jimmy G for the starting spot, but the San Francisco 49ers now have a question about their starter for at least Week 10, if not the rest of the year.

Nick Mullens got the Week 9 start after C.J. Beathard suffered wrist and thumb injuries in Week 8. After Beathard was unable to adequately grip a football much of the week, Kyle Shanahan decided to go with Nick Mullens against the Oakland Raiders. Beathard was active, but Mullens got the start after getting all the practice reps this week.

Mullens had a fantastic evening, putting together arguably the greatest quarterback debut in recent memory. He finished the game completing 16 of 22 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. He had a couple inaccurate passes, but for the most part, everything went well for him and the 49ers managed their second win of the season.

The question now is what happens in ten days when the 49ers host the New York Giants. After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he has not thought about what’s next at the position, but that Mullens would certainly be part of the discussion for who starts in Week 10. The Raiders defense is atrocious, but Mullens deserves credit for executing the opportunity presented to him.

Shanahan will chat with the media later on Friday, at which point he’ll get a chance to address the topic again. Then, the 49ers will get a few days off and return to practice early next week. At that point, we should get a better handle on things. Of course, Shanahan might play things close to the vest to prevent the Giants from preparing for just one quarterback.

But how do you see it playing out in ten days when the 49ers and Giants take the field? Who will get the start between C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens?