Shanahan calls Jimmy G’s role in Rams’ preparation for 49ers ‘way overblown’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jimmy Garoppolo is the No. 2 quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, but that doesn’t mean the former 49ers quarterback plays a huge role in his team’s preparation for Sunday’s game at SoFi Stadium.

While Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur believes Garoppolo’s knowledge of San Francisco’s organization will give LA a boost, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed the significance of the intel his former QB can provide. Instead, he was more concerned with the acumen of former 49ers passing game coordinator LaFleur.

“I think it’s way overdone,” Shanahan told reporters Friday. “I mean, a little bit more Mike LaFleur. That started last year, you know. But no, not that much.”

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, LaFleur praised Garoppolo’s contributions to the Rams’ game plan.

“Probably more between Jimmy and Matthew (Stafford) and maybe even just in the locker room in general,” LaFleur said. “Anytime you’ve gotten a little bit more information when you’ve been in the locker room and the success that Jimmy has had in that locker room, I’m sure there’s a few things that I’m not being told and things like that. But just having Jimmy back now is great and it’s a benefit.”

Garoppolo played for the 49ers for six seasons, compiling a 38-17 record in 55 starts.

It remains to be seen whether Garoppolo’s knowledge of the 49ers will make a difference in Sunday’s game, but it’s clear Shanahan isn’t fazed by it.

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