San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a nasty thumb injury in Week 16. Ahead of Week 17, Garoppolo's injury reports have been a rollercoaster. The 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan have been giving updates to the media.

On Wednesday, Shanahan was optimistic about Garoppolo's potential to play Week 17 since the sprain does not require surgery. On Thursday, Jimmy G was unable to participate in practice, making this two in a row. The latest report, as of Friday evening, is that Garoppolo was listed as doubtful for Sunday against the Houston Texans.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport tweeted the update on Friday.

Garoppolo is likely to sit out for Week 17, giving Trey Lance a huge opportunity. The rookie backup quarterback has taken snaps for the 49ers earlier this season, but no game as big as this one. The 49ers are right in the middle of the race for a playoff spot.

Fortunately for Lance and the 49ers, they don't have a particularly difficult opponent to face on Sunday. The Texans have had a brutal 4-11 season and are out of playoff contention. If Lance plays well for San Francisco, he could very well buy the 49ers a ticket to the postseason contest.

As previously noted, Garoppolo's injury does not require surgery. If the 49ers can secure a spot in the playoffs, there is a good chance that he could be healthy enough to lead his team in the postseason.