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Cam Inman, 49ers beat and NFL reporter, San Jose Mercury News, for his Wordpress profile. (Michael Malone/Bay Area News Group)
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SANTA CLARA — No, Jimmy Garoppolo can’t win ’em all. Nor can he fake an angry-man demeanor.

As the 49ers starting quarterback comes off his first career loss, he hasn’t morphed into a rowdy cheerleader to rile up his teammates for a rebound performance in Sunday’s home opener against the Detroit Lions.

“It’s been the exact same, and I’d be disappointed if it was any different,” coach Kyle Shanahan said of Garoppolo’s persona. “He didn’t have his best game last week but he doesn’t need to come in here and make stuff up.”

Added nose tackle Earl Mitchell: “That’s the biggest thing: I believe guys who bark the loudest have the weakest bite. He’s been calm, doesn’t seem fazed and that’s what you want.”

Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota ...
Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Getty Images

Garoppolo borrowed a page from his former Patriots life as it pertains to this week’s approach: “We’re on to Detroit.”

OK, but at least one thing is still worth revisiting from his three-interception fiasco in the 24-16 opening loss. What did he think about Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter’s postgame comment, claiming the key to defeating Garoppolo is to pressure him and that makes him “get scared.”

Garoppolo shrugged it off, knowing that defenders wouldn’t be boasting that had they had lost.

“I’ve never heard that before but it’s the way (Hunter) thinks,” Garoppolo responded. “Pressure is always a good thing in a quarterback’s eyes. It opens windows, and they have less guys in coverage.”

Here are four other impressions from Wednesday’s media access:

LINEBACKER MOVES: As bright as the future looks with an eventual lineup of Fred Warner with Reuben Foster (and possibly Malcolm Smith), the 49ers are moving forward without Brock Coyle, who went on injured reserve Wednesday with not only a concussion but also a T4 compression fracture in his back that would keep him out of contact at least six weeks.

The 49ers addressed their linebacker depth by signing Terence Garvin, who played last year for the Seattle Seahawks and can play both strong-side and weak-side linebacker spots. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 undrafted out of  West Virginia, and he also had a brief stint with Washington.

Lee or Mark Nzeocha would likely start next to Warner as the 49ers inside linebackers Sunday against the Detroit Lions if Smith can’t.

Smith did not play Sunday nor did he practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury he initially sustained Aug. 9 in the exhibition opener. The 49ers also needed linebacker depth as Foster finishes his two-game suspension, and to help replace Dekoda Watson, who went on injured reserve Saturday with a hamstring pull.

RECEIVER NEWS: Marquise Goodwin’s bruised quadriceps kept him out of practice Wednesday, and if he can’t rally for the home opener, look for rookie Dante Pettis to seize those snaps, as he did upon Goodwin’s first-half exit at Minnesota.

Pettis produced the 49ers’ only touchdown when he improvised and caught a 22-yard pass from Garoppolo in the back of the end zone. “I ran to the open area of the field,” Pettis said. “I have a pretty good feel for when a quarterback starts scrambling on where to go, so I ran to the open spot, saw the ball in the air, checked real quick it was actually going to me and just made a play.”

Garoppolo called it a “savvy move,” adding: “When those plays break down like that, it’s kind of, not a free for all, but everyone is kind of winging it, I guess. You have a game plan of what you want them to do, but things happen on the run like that.”

SECONDARY DINGED: The healthy starter among the defensive backs? It’s cornerback Richard Sherman. Free safety Adrian Colbert (hamstring) did not practice, while limited were cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (ankle), strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) and nickel back K’Waun Williams (rib).

Colbert was seen doing individual running drills on a side field. Tartt and Williams wore non-contact jerseys as part of the team’s drills.

GUARDS GALORE: Najee Toran got promoted from the practice squad while guards Mike Person and Joshua Garnett deal with foot injuries that kept them out of practice and had them hobbling around the facility.

Matt Tobin, who was inactive Sunday, might be in line to start at right guard if Person, Garnett nor Erik Magnuson can suit up and play. Just don’t expect rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey to slide over there like last game’s emergency move.

“Right now I’m playing offensive tackle and back outside, barring another ‘Code Red’ situation,” McGlinchey said.

Meanwhile, left tackle Joe Staley received a veteran rest day Wednesday and did individual conditioning in the weight room rather than practice.

NOTES:

— The 49ers are not taking the Lions lightly. Garoppolo knows first-year Lions coach Matt Patricia from their days in New England. “They’re talented. Matty P, they’re a game-plan team,” Garoppolo said. “Across the board, good D-line, they get penetration, they set the edge, fast linebackers and talented secondary. They’re good at every level. We’ll have to come out with a good mindset.”

The Lions lost their opener 48-17 at home to the New York Jets on Monday night. Said Shanahan: “know that was frustrating for them, but to think that it was as bad as that score was, it wasn’t. That’s what happens when a team has five interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. They gave up two punt returns, one for a touchdown, the other one into the strike zone. It’s going to get out of hand fast when it was a lot tighter than that.”

— Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (shin) and running back LeGarrette Blount (shoulder) practiced in full. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) was limited.

— Wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (hamstring) reached an injury settlement and was waived off injured reserve.

— Wide receiver Frank Stephens (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) replaced Toran on the practice squad. He played at Northern Colorado after transferring from Contra Costa College.

— Garvin was among seven defensive players the 49ers worked out. The others were linebackers J.T. Thomas, Erik Walden, John Simon and Hayes Pullard, and defensive ends Ryan Delaire and Hau’oli Kikaha, according to Sirius/XM NFL Radio’s Adam Caplan.

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  • Pierre Garcon #15 of the San ...

    Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to catch the ball over defender Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Trent Taylor #81 of the San ...

    Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled with the ball by Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) is tackled...

    San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) after making a reception during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 24-16. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San ...

    Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers passes the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Dante Pettis #18 of the San ...

    Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers loses the ball as Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings breaks up the play in the first half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota ...

    Getty Images

    Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Minnesota Vikings tight end David Morgan, left, catches a pass...

    Minnesota Vikings tight end David Morgan, left, catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 24-16. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San ...

    Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball off to Alfred Morris #46 in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota ...

    Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota ...

    Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after recovering a fumbled ball in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches an 11-yard...

    Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches an 11-yard touchdown pass in front of San Francisco 49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt, right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

  • David Morgan #89 of the Minnesota ...

    David Morgan #89 of the Minnesota Vikings and Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers attempt to recover a fumbled ball in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota ...

    Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis, left, celebrates with...

    San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis, left, celebrates with teammate Pierre Garcon, right, after catching a 22-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Dante Pettis #18 of the San ...

    Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis (18) runs from...

    San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis (18) runs from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes (21) after making a reception during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

  • Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) intercepts a pass...

    Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes (29) intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dante Pettis (18) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota ...

    Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle ...

    San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan gestures while on the field in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray (25) is tackled by...

    Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray (25) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive back Adrian Colbert during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Dante Pettis #18 of the San ...

    Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers loses the ball as Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings breaks up the play in the first half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is...

    Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

  • Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, left, is sacked by San...

    Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, left, is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, right, runs from San...

    Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, right, runs from San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams, left, after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota ...

    Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass over...

    Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass over San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked with...

    Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked with the ball by DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

  • Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrates after catching...

    Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrates after catching a 22-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball...

    Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball to Dalvin Cook #33 in the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

  • Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, right, runs from San...

    Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, right, runs from San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams, left, after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the ...

    Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after throwing a touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back...

    Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to hand off the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

  • Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, bottom, is sacked by San...

    Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, bottom, is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is tackled...

    San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back Holton Hill (24) after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) is helped...

    San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (11) is helped off the field after getting injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

  • Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen runs from San Francisco...

    Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen runs from San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams, left, after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • San Francisco 49ers defensive back Richard Sherman, center, celebrates with...

    San Francisco 49ers defensive back Richard Sherman, center, celebrates with teammate DeForest Buckner, right, after recovering a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

  • Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) fumbles the ball...

    Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

  • Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the ...

    Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • A general view inside U.S. Bank ...

    A general view inside U.S. Bank Stadium before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  • Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, left, is sacked by San...

    Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, left, is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

  • Fans stand and observe the National Anthem before the game...

    Fans stand and observe the National Anthem before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

  • Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers raises a...

    Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers raises a fist during the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

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