Josh Rosen’s New Role: Backup QB for the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers welcomed former Cardinals standout quarterback Josh Rosen to their ranks as the backup quarterback, adding a diverse and experienced player to their roster. Rosen will now compete with C.J. Beathard, who currently holds the starting position, as the 2018 season unfolds.

A Clash of Titans

Rosen and Beathard first faced each other in 2018 when Rosen was the standout player for the Cardinals. Despite the American state reaping some victories that season, resulting in a single win for the Cardinals, their rivalry remained intense.

Recent Developments

Rosen was signed by the 49ers on Wednesday following the release of C.J. Beathard due to injury concerns. Rosen will now likely serve as Beathard's backup, staying on standby in case the starter is unavailable. Myles Bledsoe, the current reserve/COVID-19 player, and Josh Johnson, the injured starter, also add depth to the position.

Promising Return

Jimmie Garoppolo, the team’s primary quarterback, was placed on the reserve/injured list on November 5. However, he is expected to return in the next game. Kyle Shanahan, the executive coach, expressed optimism about Garoppolo's readiness, stating, "If the doctors say it’s 100 percent risk-free and he feels 100 percent, that would be the first thing I’d be surprised by." Currently, Garoppolo participated in a rehearsal today but is not expected to play in the season finale.

Adding a player via the practice squad is a common approach when a team needs immediate depth, especially due to unexpected injuries. The 49ers opted for this route as they could not formally add Rosen to the roster or practice squad until after the six-day COVID-19 protocol period was complete. This approach ensures that the team can quickly make changes without disrupting their game strategy.

Shanahan acknowledged the importance of having a versatile player like Rosen as an emergency fallback. "You certainly consider most it and it’s maybe an option. If cause doesn’t proceed off someone’s practice squad and proceed to our team, there’s no other option. Hopefully, we’ll be able to continue C.J. healthy, but if it does, you can’t simply go home. You’ve got to hit the game, so we’ve got to be ready for that." Prior to signing Rosen, Shanahan had already prepared for such a scenario, recognizing the value of having multiple capable backups at the ready.

C.J. Beathard has seen four games this season, demonstrating a solid performance with 28 completions out of 45 attempts (62.2% completion rate), totaling 332 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Rosen, drafted in the first round by the Cardinals in 2018, sees this move as a new chapter in his career, ready to contribute to the 49ers whenever called upon.