Nick Mullens named starter for 49ers

The world won’t have to wait long for a “Mullens Magic” encore. The San Francisco 49ers officially named Nick Mullens their starting quarterback Tuesday for the team’s Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium. The quarterback informed the media during Tuesday’s post-practice availability.

Monday will be Mullens’ second consecutive primetime start after making his debut against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday Night Football in Week 9. The 49ers’ backup-turned-starter completed 16 of 22 passes (72%) for 262 yards, three touchdowns, zero turnovers and a nearly-perfect 151.9 quarterback rating.

Mullens was inserted into the starting lineup after C.J. Beathard struggled to grip the football throughout the short week leading up to the Raiders. The former starter injured his throwing hand in the second quarter of the 49ers’ Week 8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. It was Beathard’s fifth straight loss in five starts this season, now 1-9 in his career as the 49ers’ starter.

Mullen’s stellar showing is on the short list for greatest debut performances ever by an NFL quarterback. He played so well that Twitter verified his account during the game.

“You never know until you see someone,” Kyle Shanahan said post-game Thursday when asked if he was surprised by Mullens’ debut. “He didn’t surprise us in terms of, the game’s not too big for Nick. He’s very poised. He is always locked in. The guys, they respect him.”

Mullens gets another chance to impress Monday under the lights of primetime against a vulnerable Giants defense.