The San Francisco 49ers had a tough break in Week 16. Not only did they lose their Thursday night matchup against the Tennessee Titans, but quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a pretty nasty thumb injury. According to CBS Sports, Garoppolo's injury is the result of him being sacked late in the first half.

The injury sounds pretty painful, but Jimmy G played through it. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan explained the unique injury on Wednesday, noting that the quarterback would either be limited or unable to participate in practice that afternoon. According to 49ers reporter Cam Inman, Shanahan described it as a Grade III sprain.

Shanahan explained that the injury has been described to him as a sprain rather than a fracture. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport responded to Inman's tweet, explaining exactly how the sprain occurred.

Despite a Grade III sprain and “a fleck of the bone” coming off of Garoppolo's thumb, there are high hopes for his quick return to the field. Shanahan also noted that the injury does not require surgery, and he could be available for Week 17. ESPN 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner tweeted the news Wednesday afternoon.

Shanahan noted Garoppolo's ability to finish out Week 16 as another reason for his optimism.

If Garoppolo is able to play, he will lead the 49ers in their Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans. If not, Trey Lance could get the nod and attempt to keep his team in the race for a playoff wildcard spot.