Nick Mullens says Kyle Shanahan told him he's the Week 10 starter
Kyle Shanahan doesn’t want to say, but Nick Mullens does.
Shanahan, the San Francisco 49ers coach, was mum late last week on if Mullens would get another start in Week 10 after his memorable NFL debut. The 49ers defeated the Oakland Raiders, 34-3, on “Thursday Night Football.”
It looks as though he’ll get another primetime shot to shine as Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports the quarterback was informed he’ll be the starter against the New York Giants.
Nick Mullens said Kyle Shanahan told him he is starting.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 6, 2018
Mullens over Beathard for at least one more week
Shanahan did not make a team announcement, but rather told Mullens and quarterback C.J. Beathard of his decision. Bay Area Sports reports that Mullens took the first-string snaps during practice Tuesday.
“The team is ready to get to work and treat it like any other week,” Mullens told Bay Area Sports. “My preparation doesn’t change. This team’s preparation doesn’t change. And we’re excited to keep things going.”
Beathard hurt his right wrist and thumb in a Week 8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, putting Mullens in the starting spot on a short week. Mullens spent last year on the practice squad and is considered a rookie this year.
Beathard started five games this season and five last year. His only win in 10 starts is a 31-21 victory over the Giants last year at home. He has a career 57.3 completion rate for 2,682 yards with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Mullens charges on to NFL scene
Mullens spent the 2017 season on the team’s practice squad and was moved up after starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a season-ending knee surgery.
The Southern Mississippi product went 16-for-22 for 262 yards, three touchdowns and nary an interception. His 151.9 passer rating is the best debut in NFL history for those with 16 or more pass attempts.
And as Frank Schwab noted, the “MNF” matchup is just as advantageous for the man who got a post-game phone call from Brett Favre.
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