Report: 49ers QB Nick Mullens to Start Thursday Night Football Matchup vs. Raiders
The 49ers will start quarterback Nick Mullens during San Francisco's matchup with the Raiders on Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
The announcement comes after stating quarterback C.J. Beathard was ruled questionable heading into Thursday's due to a wrist injury that is affecting the signal caller's grip on the football. According to Schefter, Beathard will serve as the backup quarterback.
Mullens, a former undrafted free agent, has never appeared in a regular-season game. He finished his collegiate career as Southern Mississippi's career passing leader with 11,994 yards, 87 touchdowns and 46 interceptions. Mullens went 31-of-43 for 396 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions while under center for the 49ers this past preseason.
Who is Nick Mullens? What to Know About the 49ers' Backup Quarterback
Beathard's wrist problem is the latest injury issue for 49ers quarterbacks this season. Opening-day starter Jimmy Garoppolo tore his ACL on Sept. 24, ending his season after three games. Beathard is 0–5 as a starter this year.
A third-round pick in 2017, Beathard has a 57.3% career completion percentage. The Iowa product has thrrown for 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his career, going 1–9 as San Francisco's starter.
Kickoff from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., between the 49ers (1–7) and Raiders (1–6) is slated for 8:20 p.m. ET.
