SANTA CLARA – If new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo knows any 49ers receiver well, it’s former Raider Louis Murphy, the same man he threw a 10-yard scoring pass to on the last play of the 49ers’ loss to Seattle.
Murphy and Garoppolo came in about the same time, and Murphy stayed around during the bye week and caught several Garoppolo passes as they both continued to learn the Kyle Shanahan offense.
Murphy also liked how Garoppolo came in and took control of the game for the final plays.
“You hear the crowd start cheering him so that was kind of cool,” Murphy said. “And hear him say, ‘All right fellas, here we go.’ So he took control as a leader does and everyone else kind of followed.”
Garoppolo was equally as complimentary of Murphy following the game.
“Murph made a great catch on it in the end zone. The offensive line gave me some time, I had to scramble a little bit and it was a nice play by everybody.”
Murphy played in the 49ers’ final two preseason games and then was released on the final cutdown day. The 49ers brought him back on Nov. 6, after placing Pierre Garcon on injured reserve. Murphy could get more playing time if the decision is made to start Garoppolo.
“I think I do have a good rapport with him. We had that extra week and I think that was really good for the both of us,” Murphy said. “Excited to see what happens.”