Texans interview Jim Caldwell and Josh McCown for HC

Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday verified that there’s been a remarkable reversal in the prognosis for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who fractured his left foot in the 49ers’ win over Miami. But he also attempted to temper Tuesday’s report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which suggested Garoppolo could return in seven to eight weeks — during a potential 49ers playoff run.

“There’s that way outside chance, late in the playoffs, something like that, but it’s just an outside chance. We’re not really real optimistic about that, but they didn’t rule it out.”

We reported the Schefter news on Tuesday, but the Niners seem to be lowering the expectations. The story went on to say in the immediate aftermath of Garoppolo’s injury Sunday, Shanahan had said Garoppolo “broke a few things in there” and would need surgery. Shanahan had reportedly been told by 49ers head athletic trainer Dustin Little that Garoppolo would be out for six months. So the good news is Garoppolo's timetable has significantly reduced, and he should at least be ready to go next year - wherever that is.