As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the outlook of their season has changed dramatically. Jimmy Garoppolo's torn ACL has taken the 49ers from being a team that many thought could contend in the NFC to a team that many think will fall off quickly.

C.J. Beathard is hoping to step in as the starting quarterback and prevent that from happening in his second NFL season.

Last year as the starter, Beathard struggled in seven games. He ended the season with a 54.9 completion percentage to go along with 1,430 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions. Beathard also recorded 136 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

At 24 years old, Beathard is being given his second chance to prove that he can start at the NFL level. San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan is confident in his quarterback's abilities, as shared in an article posted by The Press Democrat.

“C.J. is very impressive. He’s very smart, he always knows the game plan inside and out, he works very hard, he is a thinker and he also is a reactor out there. He listens to everything the coach says. He does everything we ask. When you know the whys and you have experience, it’s a lot easier to improve.”

Beathard was also asked about his thoughts on starting for the injured Garoppolo and he showed much more confidence than he did last season.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Ex-49ers WR Terrell Owens stands next to son. NFL Draft logo in background

Christopher Smith ·

Isaas Guerendo as a silhouette. Kyle Shanahan with heart eyes

Ryan Bologna ·

Photo: John Lynch saying "Nope!", Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk in action in 49ers jerseys beside him

Quinn Allen ·

“It’s Year 2 for me in this offense. With any extra time doing something, the better you get at it. I’m definitely understanding more of the whys, why certain things happen, why we think this guy will be open, why we attack certain things versus certain coverages. There’s nothing you can do to simulate those reps in practice. The only way you can do it is by going out there and actually getting those game-time reps.”

Obviously, Beathard will have to prove himself on the field rather than with his quotes. That being said, those responses were exactly what San Francisco fans needed to hear. Beathard is no Garoppolo, but maybe he's good enough to help lead the 49ers close to the playoffs.

No matter what ends up happening, Beathard is playing for his NFL future. If he plays well, he could find himself looking at a starting opportunity in the future in another city.