The stakes for Jimmy Garoppolo as the 49ers visit the Chiefs

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers have reached a crisis moment before the start of their season.

Jimmy Garoppolo does not seem ready to start the inaugural game of the regular season on September 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is recovering from a torn ACL and, although the team claims to have recovered physically, he does not seem mentally recovered yet.

Garoppolo looked shy Monday night against the Denver Broncos. Did not enter his throws and moved away from the pressure. He made six assists and the Broncos tipped two, intercepted one and almost took another.

Garoppolo finished the game with zero yards passing and a quarterback rating of 0.0. When he left the field, he looked stunned, a look that he had in the training camp when he launched 10 interceptions in 15 practices, including five consecutive selections in one day.

Garoppolo is expected to play in the first half of the 49ers' general rehearsal match against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. This is the best opportunity for the 49ers to seriously evaluate Garoppolo and determine if he is ready to start the season in Tampa or if he needs more time.

Here's what to watch for Saturday night when the 49ers face the Chiefs.