Beathard (knee/hip) didn't practice Wednesday, but he's expected to take part in sessions Thursday and Friday as he prepares to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup for Sunday's game in Chicago, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Beathard is recovering from a knee contusion and a hip strain, both of which are considered minor injuries. It's unclear to what extent those injuries played a role in the 49ers' decision to name Garoppolo the starter, but there's at least some chance the team will evaluate its quarterback situation on a week-to-week basis the rest of the year. It thus won't come as any surprise if Beathard gets another opportunity, though he'll only be available in a backup capacity this weekend.