49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo: Could return Week 18

Garoppolo (thumb), who is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Texans, is not expected to play but the 49ers are optimistic he could return Week 18 against the Rams, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Trey Lance looks set to start Sunday against Houston as a result. Prior reports indicated that Garoppolo suffered a fracture and Grade 3 UCL tear of his right thumb in last week's loss to Tennessee, so he'll need to show progress next week in practice to return for the regular season finale.