Beathard has officially won the backup quarterback job in San Francisco following the release of Matt Barkley on Friday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
The announcement was simply a formality, as Beathard had been the first to relieve starter Brian Hoyer in the 49ers' last two preseason contests. The rookie signal caller started Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers, completing five of nine passes for 31 yards while adding 80 yards on the ground, including an impressive 62-yard touchdown run. Beathard possesses some mobility, but don't expect huge runs like this if and when he gets a shot to start a regular-season game down the road. The third-round draft pick won't move the needle in redraft leagues as a backup, but he could find himself starting games at some point this season given Hoyer's long injury history.